Being a parent and certain levels of stress go hand-in-hand. Recently, the U.S. Surgeon General, in a new advisory, has stated that parental stress is growing exponentially, vastly becoming an urgent public health issue.
The advisory entitled “Parents Under Pressure,” states that parents and caregivers are becoming increasingly becoming stressed out. The growing stress experienced by parents and its adverse effects on their mental health and, consequently, their children’s well-being is a serious problem. This advisory, following previous ones on gun violence, social media, and youth mental health, emphasizes the critical role of parental well-being in both child development and societal health.
“The work of parenting is essential not only for the health of children but also for the health of society. Additionally, we know that the well-being of parents and caregivers is directly linked to the well-being of their children,” U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy wrote in the advisory, highlighting his own parental experiences.
“The stresses parents and caregivers have today are being passed to children in direct and indirect ways, impacting families and communities across America,” he continued. “Yet in modern society, parenting is often portrayed as a less important, less valued pursuit. Nothing could be further from the truth.”
Dr. Murthy underscores that the pressures of modern parenting are not only impacting individual families but also resonating throughout communities. Despite its essential nature, parenting is often undervalued in today’s society. He stresses that the mental health of parents is intrinsically linked to that of their children, noting that stressors such as financial instability significantly contribute to this issue.
The advisory calls for a cultural shift to better support the 63 million U.S. parents with children under 18, as well as millions of additional caregivers. Dr. Murthy also highlights the need for inclusive support systems that cater to diverse family structures, including LGBTQ+ parents, single parents, and foster parents. To aid in getting parents the help that they need, Dr. Murthy suggests and is advocating for concrete policy changes.
“The Surgeon General’s Advisory calls for a shift in culture, policies, and programs to ensure all parents and caregivers can thrive,” Dr. Murthy’s office said in a news release. “The American public can do more to support parents and caregivers by shifting norms to foster a culture that values, supports, and empowers parents/caregivers and addresses stressors that can impact their mental health and well-being.”
It is critical for parents to try and curb their stress. This will not only benefit them in the long-run, but also set the groundwork for their children to learn how to control and curb their stress as well as they grow into adulthood. Below are ten stress-reducing suggestions for parents to add to their parental toolboxes!
- Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that rejuvenate you, such as exercise, reading, or hobbies. Regular self-care helps maintain emotional and physical health.
- Seek Social Support: Connect with friends, family, or support groups. Sharing experiences and seeking advice can provide comfort and practical solutions.
- Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation: Engage in mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. These techniques help manage stress and improve emotional resilience.
- Establish a Routine: Create and stick to a daily schedule to bring structure and predictability to your life. Consistent routines can reduce anxiety and help manage time effectively.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Avoid setting overly ambitious goals. Focus on achievable tasks and accept that perfection is not always possible.
- Delegate and Share Responsibilities: Involve your partner or other family members in household tasks and childcare. Sharing responsibilities can reduce the burden and create a more balanced environment.
- Manage Finances: Create a budget and seek financial advice if needed. Managing financial stress through budgeting or seeking professional help can alleviate one significant source of anxiety.
- Take Breaks: Allow yourself short breaks throughout the day. Even brief moments of rest can help recharge your energy and improve your mood.
- Communicate Openly: Discuss feelings and concerns with your partner or a trusted friend. Open communication can prevent misunderstandings and provide emotional support.
- Seek Professional Help: If stress becomes overwhelming, consider speaking with a therapist or counselor. Professional guidance can offer strategies to cope with stress and address underlying issues.
