The Stress of Parenting

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A Tuesday email:

The Stress of Parenting: Mental Health Risks

The U.S. surgeon general has issued a warning about the mental health risks associated with parenting, highlighting that both mothers and fathers are experiencing extremely high levels of stress.

In an advisory released on Wednesday, Dr. Vivek Murthy shared his personal experience as a father of two, acknowledging the difficulties he encounters in parenting. He described being a dad as both the “toughest and most rewarding” role he has ever had.

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Murthy pointed out that the current stresses faced by parents and caregivers are having a direct and indirect impact on children, affecting families and communities nationwide.

The advisory reveals that 41 percent of parents report being so stressed that it impairs their daily functioning, and 48 percent describe their stress as more overwhelming compared to other adults.

According to Murthy, today’s parents face unique challenges compared to previous generations, including issues like social media, a growing youth mental health crisis, and an “epidemic of loneliness” affecting both young people and their parents.

Earlier this year, Murthy advocated for social media platforms to include labels indicating their mental health impacts on young people.

He also noted that guilt and shame among parents have become widespread, often causing them to conceal their struggles and perpetuating a cycle of stress and guilt.

Murthy believes that policies and community programs should support parents more effectively, suggesting improvements such as paid time off for caring for a sick child, affordable childcare, and better mental health resources.

He emphasized the need for cultural shifts to better support parents, arguing that parenting work is as valuable as paid employment and crucial for the future of society.

According to Murthy, societal norms should encourage more open discussions about parenting challenges and provide support for those facing them.

“Raising children is sacred work. It should matter to all of us,” he said. “And the health and well-being of those who are caring for our children should matter to us as well.”