Stressed-Out Parents: Functioning Difficulty

Why are so many parents ‘so stressed they cannot function’?

Stress levels among modern-day parents appear to be growing at an alarming rate. According to a recent advisory issued by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, parental stress is an urgent public health issue. Murthy, a father himself, noted that parents now grapple with complex issues, including managing social media, concerns about youth mental health, and an epidemic of loneliness that disproportionately affects young people.

Social media poses huge risks to kids

Experts agree that social media is one of the biggest parental stressors of the modern era. Many parents struggle to control their children’s screen time, exposing them to dangerous content. Research shows that excessive screen time can hinder cognitive, linguistic, and social development in kids, posing risks to their mental health. A 2019 study found that young people who use social media for more than three hours a day are at a higher risk of developing mental health problems.

Social media also gives kids unlimited access to one another outside of school, making them vulnerable to being bullied all day, every day. Nearly 60 percent of teenagers in the U.S. have experienced cyberbullying in their lives, and 63 percent admit that it is a major problem for kids.

Parents are far more aware of their potential impact

One of the biggest changes for parents over the past century is society’s understanding of just how much of an impact parents have on well-being and success. This knowledge has led to positive things, such as parents spending more time actively engaged with their children. However, it has also increased pressure on parents to be perfect – which is impossible.

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok allow never-before-seen access into people’s lives, giving others more insight into what parents are doing with their children. The content posted to social media is typically positive, making everyone’s lives seem much more perfect than they are. This “curated” perfection can make many parents feel like they are doing a substandard job of raising their children, adding to the already monumental pressures of parenting.

Child-rearing costs are increasing while salaries stagnate

The number of Americans who are not sure where their next meal is coming from or where they are going to live is growing, putting major stress on parents struggling to provide food and housing for their families. After a years-long decline, food insecurity rates have skyrocketed in the U.S. since 2021, partially thanks to inflation, which has caused the cost of food to rise over the past few years.

A record number of Americans – 653,100 – experienced homelessness last year, according to a recent report from Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. The report explains that homelessness in the U.S. is likely rising because of a recent surge in rental prices, which have been increasing faster than salaries.

The financial strain is especially stressful for parents also dealing with a steep rise in child care costs, which has far outpaced the growth of other family expenses like housing and groceries. Since 1990, the cost of child care in the U.S. has increased by 214 percent, and the cost of housing has gone up by about 120 percent. Meanwhile, the average family income has increased by 143 percent in the same time frame.

Conclusion

Parental stress is a complex issue with many contributing factors. From social media to financial struggles, parents are facing unprecedented challenges. It is essential for policymakers, educators, and healthcare professionals to work together to address these issues and provide support to parents. By acknowledging the reality of parental stress and taking steps to mitigate its effects, we can help parents thrive and raise healthy, happy children.

FAQs

Q: What are the main causes of parental stress?
A: The main causes of parental stress include social media, financial struggles, and changing expectations of what it means to be a good parent.

Q: How common is parental stress?
A: According to a recent advisory issued by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, 41 percent of parents with kids younger than 18 feel “so stressed they cannot function,” and another 48 percent say their stress is “completely overwhelming.”

Q: What can parents do to reduce their stress levels?
A: Parents can reduce their stress levels by setting boundaries around screen time, seeking support from friends and family, and prioritizing self-care. It is also essential for parents to recognize that they are not alone and that it is okay to ask for help when needed.

Q: What role do policymakers play in addressing parental stress?
A: Policymakers can play a critical role in addressing parental stress by implementing policies that support families, such as affordable child care, paid family leave, and mental health resources. By acknowledging the reality of parental stress and taking steps to mitigate its effects, policymakers can help parents thrive and raise healthy, happy children.