Parental stress has become a major public health issue, warns an American doctor, who calls for a rethink of the support given to parents for the education of their children.
- “The demands of work and childcare have come at the expense of quality time with partners, sleep and leisure,” says American physician Vivek Murthy.
- He cites a 2023 study that found 33% of American parents complain of high levels of stress, compared to 20% of other adults.
- National family and sick leave program, financial support for childcare, fixed working hours or even stress management training… “It is time to value and respect the time spent educating children in the same way as the time spent working in a paid job, recognizing the crucial importance for society of raising children.”
Forced to juggle multiple responsibilities and deal with the hectic pace of society, young parents are today affected by record levels of stress and exhaustion. In this back-to-school period, which is often a sign of problems, the American doctor Vivek Murthy sounds the alarm in the columns of CNN : “Recognizing parental work is essential not only for the health of children, but also for the health of society. We know that the well-being of parents and those around them is directly linked to the well-being of their children.”
33% of parents face high stress, compared to 20% of other adults
The surgeon, himself a father of two, describes how mothers and fathers today not only work much more than before, but also spend many more hours per week looking after children. “The demands of work and childcare have come at the expense of quality time with partners, sleep and leisure”the doctor explains, specifying that the pressure is even greater for parents who care for elderly parents or other dependent relatives. In his official opinion, he cites in particular a study conducted in 2023 according to which 33% of American parents complain of a high level of stress, compared to 20% of other adults.
To support parents and make their well-being a priority, a cultural change in society is needed, says Vivek Murthy. “It is time to value and respect time spent raising children as much as time spent working in paid employment, recognizing the critical importance to society of raising children.”
Better support for parents in their work and in raising children
“The stress and mental health issues parents face – as well as loneliness, workplace wellbeing and the impact of social media on young people’s mental health – aren’t always visible, but they can have serious consequences, adds the doctor. They need tangible support.”
According to him, these are the solutions that could help parents feel less alone when faced with stress and exhaustion, such as a national family and sick leave program, financial support for childcare, fixed working hours and stress management training. “We need to start seeing mental health as health. It is no less crucial than our physical health.”concludes the surgeon.
