PAS, a multi-agency project led by Children 1st and funded by the Scottish Executive until 2005, asked MORI Scotland to carry out the survey of 1,000 adults as part of its remit to research issues affecting parents and identify gaps in the support available to them.
Two-thirds of the adults questioned said that bringing children up was harder today than when they were young.
A minority (17 per cent) thought it easier, which they put down to better economic circumstances and more choice of childcare and other support for families.
Materialism and financial pressure, discipline, children's safety and work-life balance were cited as the main reasons why parents believe bringing up children is harder today.
Over two-thirds of parents agreed that balancing work and family life put too much pressure on people.
The poll found that although many parents admitted to problems, only 24 per cent could name any family support organisations they could turn to and 71 per cent were not aware of any.
Louise Smith, a grandmother from Aberdeen who has full parental rights for her ten-year-old grandson, said, 'Often help is only available when you reach crisis point. If families received more support earlier, they might avoid getting into a crisis situation.'
Evelyn Gillan, PAS co-ordinator, said, 'It is clear that many parents feel under pressure and don't know where to turn for help. Parents need support if they are to provide the best future for their children.' PAS is organising regional events across Scotland over the next six months to help inform its final recommendations to the Scottish Executive next spring. A summary of the research, 'Family Life in Scotland', can be downloaded at www.children1st.org.uk.