Study title

The survey studied the well-being and financial situation of multiple birth families in Finland. Multiple birth families have one or two pairs of twins, triplets (or quadruplets etc). First, satisfaction with dwelling size, dwelling amenities and housing costs was surveyed. Further questions covered family composition (who lives in the family; ages, birth weight, gender etc of children) and the biological parents of the multiples. The respondents were asked to state for each child whether a number of statements presented were compatible with the child. The statements pertained to sleep, loneliness, satisfaction with life, communication with parents, diet, taking exercise, and obedience. Some questions focused on delivery time (time of birth in pregnancy weeks) for multiples and whether the family had encountered changes such as serious illness and death. Next theme explored work-life balance of the adults in the family. Questions covered type of job contract, working time, occupational status, and time spent away from work on parental benefits. A set of statements studied balancing work and family. The respondents were also asked whether they had been forced to do sacrifices for the sake of their family (give up education opportunities, a job etc.) or for the sake of the job (not stay home to take care of sick child, not attend a family event etc). Opinions on what family policy measures would have helped them to balance work and life were surveyed. Measures mentioned included reduced working hours, longer parental leave, flexible child day care, higher benefit levels, flexible working arrangements etc. Financial situation was charted with questions about household income, household debts, and additional costs caused by the multiples. The respondents were also asked whether the family could afford own room or a mobile phone for each child, weekly pocket-money, fee-based hobbies, visits to private doctor, a computer for children, and whether family finances had...