In order to identify and analyse the factors associated with stress for the parents during day surgery, we performed a survey analysis of 568 parents whose children underwent surgery consecutively during an 18-month period. Of 368 parents who returned the questionnaire, (follow up rate=65%), 16% experienced the stress associated with day surgery as moderate to severe. The following factors had a significant positive association with the amount of stress: feeling of insufficient preparation (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval) 3. 34 (1.36-8.26; P=0.002), insecurity in nursing care at home 3.36 (1. 43-11.01; P=0.01), problems at home such as fever, vomiting, sleep disorders and others 3.15 (1.72-5.8; P=0.0007), problems with postoperative pain at home 2.43 (1.38-4.3); P=0.008), speaking a foreign language 2.28 (1.08-4.78); P < 0.0001) and no previous surgery 1.31 (0.76-2.27); P=0.03). Analysing these factors showed that often not the problems per se, but rather the insecurity in dealing with them contributed to the experienced stress. Conclusion In order to improve the quality of health care, more pronounced attention has to be given to the parents needs and expectations.