Stress. No time. No sleep. Constantly rushing. These were the words echoed by a group of mothers waiting for their kids after school. I’ve felt this way, too.
Being a parent brings so much joy—those funny, happy moments that fill your heart. But ever since our first child was born, I’ve wondered if I’m doing it right.
Like every parent, I want my children to feel loved, supported, and have the experiences they need to lead fulfilling lives. Juggling full-time jobs, household chores, kids’ homework, after-school activities, and maybe even caring for aging parents, is a lot to handle.
The women in that group, like so many parents, felt overwhelmed by the constant demands on their time and energy. The more they felt they were falling short, the harder they tried to make up for it, leading to even more stress and guilt. This is a reality millions of parents face, and it's taking a serious toll on their well-being.
Parents today are dealing with a range of stressors that directly impact their mental health. Balancing financial pressures, work, and family responsibilities, combined with the challenges of social media and concerns about their children's mental health, has made parenting more difficult than ever.
According to U.S. Surgeon General's new advisory, over 40% of parents report feeling too stressed to function on most days, and nearly 50% feel completely overwhelmed. This chronic stress doesn’t just affect the parents themselves; it ripples through the entire family dynamic. Addressing this issue is critical for both the immediate well-being of families and the long-term health of society.
5 Things Parents Can Do
- Take Care of Yourself: It’s easy to overlook your own needs while taking care of others, but small actions like regular exercise, proper sleep, and setting aside time for relaxation can have a big impact on your well-being.
- Build a Support System: Reach out to other parents, family members, or friends for support. Have open conversations with your co-parent about your needs, ways to share the responsibilities, and creative approaches to dividing parenting tasks. Staying connected through local groups, online communities, or casual meetups can help ease the loneliness many parents feel.
- Set Boundaries and Learn to Say No: Know your limits and prioritize what's most important. It’s okay to say no to commitments that add extra stress and take away from quality family time.
- Talk About Mental Health: Many parents struggle in silence due to guilt or shame, but talking openly about the difficulties of parenting can help reduce feelings of isolation and stress. Seek professional help if needed.
- Plan Family Time and Unplug: Set aside time for meaningful activities with your family, free from the distractions of work and technology. This strengthens family bonds and creates a sense of stability.
Helping parents manage stress is key to building healthy, thriving families. By taking these steps, parents can lower stress levels, improve mental health, and create a more positive environment for their children.
Want to read more? Check Out:
“Parents Under Pressure: the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Mental Health & Well-Being of Parents”
