Parent stress a public health challenge says US surgeon general
28 August 2024: The U.S. surgeon general, Vivek Murthy, issued a public health advisory about the impact of modern stresses on parents‘ mental health. He calls on government, businesses and community organizations to increase resources to provide them with more support.
In a response, the Institute for Family Studies reminds us how parenting also brings positive rewards:
- Yes, parenting is stressful. But it fills lives with great meaning and purpose. Plus a measure of meaningful stress is actually good for us.
- Most parents tend to be less lonely and happier over the long term than non-parents, despite the stresses involved.
- Parents who can find meaning and social support for parenting are naturally more likely to be flourishing than others.
The surgeon general and the institute are not in disagreement. Some may not be able to find meaning and social support for parenting their children. Or they lose those rewards of parenting through stressful events like unexpected illness or separation and divorce.
So parent stress is a public health challenge.
Photo and source: Amanda Andrade-Rhoades, REUTERS
