Parents’ stress levels reach alarming heights

By Associated Press

Last month, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, the United States Surgeon General, issued an advisory to call attention to the stress and mental health concerns facing parents and caregivers. According to a study from the American Psychological Association, referenced in the advisory, nearly half of parents, 48%, describe their stress as completely overwhelming most days, compared to 26% of other adults. 33% of parents report high levels of stress just in the past month, a stark contrast to the 20% of adults without kids.

The intense pressures faced by parents today affect their overall health and quality of life. Supporting parents in coping with stress is crucial for their own well-being and the healthy development of their children. How can these rising concerns be tackled?

How is stress affecting parents?

Some stress in life is completely normal, even beneficial, and helps us focus and achieve goals. It is also an important survival mechanism in the face of imminent dangers, like snakes or cars crossing medians while driving. This refers to the classic “fight or flight” stress response. However, constant and excessive stress can lead to negative effects that many adults experience — particularly parents.

Whether in a dual-income home or managing a household as a single parent, parents today feel like they’re juggling it all. April 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows half of married-parent families are dual-income households, compounding families’ scheduling issues. Essentially, stressful work responsibilities combined with household tasks, parenting duties, and financial pressures easily overwhelm.

Unique stressors

for parents

Being a parent comes with its own unique worries. Firstly, parents and caregivers carry the weight of responsibility for another human being. Rather than prioritize their own well-being, they often worry about their child’s health, development, and safety.

In particular, online safety is a big concern for today’s kids, given the prevalence of social media and technology. Parental social media exposure can also add additional pressure, with constant comparisons and unrealistic expectations.

Financial strain is another significant cause of parental stress, especially in the face of economic instability and poverty. The surgeon general’s data says one in four parents reported an inability to cover basic family needs in the past year. This inequitable access to food, housing, and medical care creates a sense of hopelessness.

Additionally, parental isolation, loneliness, and lack of support are common challenges. Sixty-five percent of parents and 77% of single parents report experiencing loneliness, compared to 55% of adults without children. As social beings, a lack of social support and meaningful connections for parents contributes to increased stress levels and coping difficulties.

Finally, having experienced the crushing effects of stress firsthand, parents stress about their children’s mental health and well-being. Guardians often wonder, “Will my child be okay?” A family history of mental health concerns can escalate the worry to an even greater degree.

What does all this stress mean for parents and their kids?

The impact on

the family unit

According to the American Psychological Association, stress affects every organ in the body and strains both physiological and psychological health. This includes everything from increased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes to mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety.

Constantly stressed parents may struggle with being present for their children, leading to emotional disconnection. In turn, this can create tension within the family unit, causing strains in communication and potentially damaging long-term effects on the parent-child relationship.

In addition, high levels of parental stress can trickle down to impact children’s well-being. Children pick up on their parents’ emotions and behaviors, which can lead to behavioral problems or emotional issues, especially if there’s a family history of mental health struggles.

Tips to Combat Stress and Improve Family Life

If feasible, hire a nanny or au pair, or ask extended family for help. Unfortunately, it’s not typically easy or possible to completely eliminate life stressors or get additional help. Thus, the best thing a parent can do is to adopt effective coping strategies. Controlling the situation isn’t always possible, but how a parent responds and perceives something is.

Sometimes, just knowing others face similar situations and experience similar stresses curbs stress. Joining parent support groups or online communities, where parents share their experiences, vent, and support each other, can be incredibly beneficial.

Additionally, while cliché, self-care is truly essential for managing stress levels. Taking breaks to rest and recharge, participating in activities that bring joy and relaxation, as well as seeking therapy or counseling are all important ways to prioritize one’s health and well-being.

Doing so will likely require saying “no” to certain tasks or responsibilities and setting boundaries to avoid feeling overwhelmed. In the end, it’s important to set realistic expectations and not strive for perfection. This might require ditching certain lifestyles and people in real life and on social media.

One Day at a Time Is the Key

Parenting is not an easy task. While stressors parents face are both significant and unique, recognizing these challenges is the first step toward addressing them. Everyone benefits when parents prioritize taking care of themselves and managing their stress levels, the family unit and future generations of parents included.

This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.