The U.S. Surgeon General recently released Parents Under Pressure: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory, which states that 41% of parents are so stressed most days they cannot function. The overwhelming worry that parents experience daily has a profoundly negative effect on their well-being, so much so it’s now considered a public health issue.
Whether they’re concerned about their child’s safety, managing complex schedules, or facing cultural demands, parents have a lot on their plate. In a recent survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Sunshine Billingual®, we uncovered that 88% of parents strongly agree that being a parent means they are always “on call”. The same survey also reports that parents are only averaging 31 minutes of “me time” a day, which most can agree isn’t enough time to prioritize physical and mental wellbeing in a way that will really make a difference. This combination results in parents trying to maintain their roles and responsibilities while running on empty. So how do we address this disconnect? While this can’t be solved overnight, the advisory outlines a number of ways to address this problem, starting with giving parents more support.
49% of parents strongly agree that child care helps them maintain a sense of self and independence alongside being a parent, placing more emphasis on the fact that parents need support to thrive. But it’s important to remember that child care doesn’t just mean enrolling in daycare or hiring a nanny. 66% of parents consider family to be most integral to the “village” that helps raise their children. Family members are in a unique position to help parents get back time for themselves. Even an hour or two can take an enormous amount of pressure off, giving parents back valuable time in their day to focus on their wellbeing.
Parents wear many hats. From keeping their child safe to helping them grow into well-rounded individuals, it can feel like a lot to manage. It’s no wonder so much concern has sparked around parental health and wellbeing. If you know a parent in your life who could use some support, now is the time to take action. The simple act of reaching out and offering your time can have a big impact.