Parenting Is More Stressful Than Ever. Here’s How to Cope

Source: https://www.msn.com/

In the U.S., nearly half of parents report feeling overwhelming stress daily, significantly more than the 25% of non-parents. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has issued a new advisory addressing this issue, emphasizing the critical role of parental well-being in the overall health of children and society. He links this advisory to his earlier work on the effects of social media on youth mental health and highlights the concerning rise in depression and suicide rates among teens, noting that parental stress can negatively impact children’s well-being.

Key Highlight:

In his advisory, Dr. Murthy highlights both longstanding and emerging pressures faced by parents, such as financial worries and the influence of social media. A 2023 APA survey found that 66% of parents felt overwhelmed by financial concerns, compared to 39% of non-parents. Additionally, a 2022 Pew Research Center survey indicated that 25% of parents struggled to provide adequate food or housing for their families. Rising child care costs, which have increased by 26% over the past decade, further exacerbate these challenges.

Increased school violence and online bullying are heightening parents’ concerns about their children’s safety and well-being. The advisory also highlights the broader impact of technology, as virtual work options lead parents to work longer and more varied hours, intensifying the demand for child care. Dr. Murthy notes that mothers now spend 40% more time on child care each week compared to 1985, while fathers have increased their child care time by 154%, though mothers still dedicate significantly more time to it than fathers.

Social media intensifies long-standing parental concerns about measuring up to others, including their own parents and peers. Dr. Murthy describes this transparency as a double-edged sword; while it can offer support among parents facing similar challenges, it often showcases idealized portrayals of parenting that are hard to attain. He notes that technology allows parents to compare themselves to thousands of others, which can foster feelings of insecurity, shame, and guilt regarding their parenting struggles.

A 2021 Cigna survey found that 65% of parents and 77% of single parents feel lonely, compared to 55% of non-parents. Murthy highlights that this loneliness exacerbates the stress parents face, as social connections can mitigate stress. He attributes the current struggles of U.S. parents to cultural, social, technological, and political factors that undermine the value of parenting. Murthy calls for society to prioritize support for parents, emphasizing that immediate action is needed to address their challenges.

How to ease the burden

Murthy suggests several steps for national and local governments, as well as individuals, to better support parents. Key recommendations include implementing paid family and sick leave, making child care and health care more affordable and accessible, and enhancing the safety of social media and addressing gun violence. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of providing adequate mental health support in workplaces and schools to help parents manage emotional and psychological challenges effectively.

Employers can support parents by offering flexible work schedules and enhancing mental health services to help them manage the balance between work and parenting. Communities can also play a role by creating more inclusive environments with social services like playgrounds and libraries, fostering connections among parents. Murthy emphasizes that parenting is inherently a collective effort, not just the responsibility of one or two individuals, and requires the support of family, friends, and societal infrastructure to thrive.

The U.S. has made strides in increasing access to early childhood education and enhancing mental health services, like the introduction of 988. However, Murthy believes more action is needed to make parenting sustainable. He aims to raise awareness among policymakers, employers, and individuals about the pressures parents face and the essential nature of parenting. Murthy emphasizes that support can come from everyone, recalling how a brief visit from a friend during a challenging moment made a significant difference for him. He encourages individuals to contribute to supporting parents, highlighting that meaningful actions don’t require new laws.

Read More: https://childreninfobank.com/safebank/parenting-is-more-stressful-than-ever-heres-how-to-cope/

Image Source:https://www.msn.com/