Parents Are Stressed: How We Can Help 

The U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recently released a Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents, highlighting the urgent need to better support parents, caregivers, and families to help our communities thrive. This advisory emphasizes how important the work of parenting is, not only for the wellness of children, but for society at large. In addition to traditional parenting challenges (like managing safety, finances, and adolescent behaviors), there are new stressors being introduced as technological and economic forces continue to reshape our world. Supporting parents and caregivers is essential, now more than ever.

Parents Are More Stressed Than Other Adults 

In a report from the American Psychological Association, parents were more likely than other adults to report certain stressors. Here are a couple examples: 

They report feeling consumed by worries regarding money. 

• Parents: 66% 

• Other adults: 39% 

Most days, their stress is completely overwhelming. 

• Parents: 48% 

• Other adults: 26% 

They are so stressed they feel numb. 

• Parents: 42% 

• Other adults: 22% 

Most days, they are so stressed they can’t function. 

• Parents: 41% 

• Other adults: 20% 

Identifying the Key Stressors 

The advisory outlines examples of parental stressors that can impact mental health and well-being, including: 

1. Financial strain, economic instability, and poverty 

2. Time demands (both on work commitments and with family responsibilities) 

3. Children’s health (mental health challenges, intellectual and developmental disabilities, other illnesses) 

4. Children’s safety (concerns about their child being bullied, abducted, or attacked) 

5. Parental isolation and loneliness 

6. Technology and social media (managing rapid adoption and evolution of technology and social media) 

7. Cultural pressures and children’s future (pressures to meet perceived parenting standards). 

What Can Workplaces Do?  

One of the most impactful things workplaces can do to mitigate parent stress is to implement and expand policies and programs that support the well-being of parents and caregivers. These can include offering paid leave options, flexible work arrangements, and access to childcare. Robust employee assistance programs (EAPs) can provide access to mental health services and social support for caregivers who need it. Employers should also train management on how to recognize signs of stress and mental health challenges as well as to exemplify a “family-friendly” culture by including parents in leadership roles.  

How Can We Help as Family and Friends? 

Family, friends, and loved ones are important pillars of support for parents who are experiencing extreme stress. Lending a hand in practical ways can often be the most impactful for a caregiver who is having trouble juggling responsibilities. Offer to help with household chores, childcare responsibilities, or running errands. Seek opportunities to give parents much-needed breaks to engage in self-care.  

It is also important to support caregivers socially and emotionally. Make time to check in, listening to any challenges they express with empathy and without judgement. Recognize potential signs of distress (including anxiousness, fatigue, anger, loneliness and isolation, reduced productivity at work, and changes in sleeping and eating patterns), and assist caregivers in seeking help from a health care professional if necessary. 

Parents and Caregivers Experiencing Stress 

Self-care is a key part of caring for your loved ones. It can be difficult to prioritize yourself while keeping up with the demands of caregiving, but even small investments of time in your well-being can make a difference. If you are experiencing heightened levels of stress, engaging in personal wellness habits like exercise, proper sleep, a balanced diet, mindfulness and meditation can all help to reduce stress. Remember to engage in activities that bring you joy and set healthy boundaries that allow you to take time for yourself when needed.  

Remember: parenting is not a science, and everyone makes mistakes. Be compassionate and forgiving with yourself. Nurture connection with other parents and caregivers, creating community to share your feelings and experiences; a supportive environment can go a long way in reducing feelings of isolation and stress for yourself and others.  

WELCOA members can access the August 2024 Well Balanced resource on the topic of Family Wellness to learn more tips for parents, caregivers, and their families.

  

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR REBECCA PLIER // PR/Communications Specialist • IFEBP

Rebecca Plier is diving headfirst into the wonderful world of employee benefits and workplace wellness. As a PR/Communications Specialist at WELCOA’s partner organization, the International Foundation, Rebecca shares essential information on educational programming, emerging benefits research data, member resources, and so much more. To maintain balance, she enjoys art journaling and attending regular yoga sessions.

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