Parenting is tough. We all know that. But now, the US Surgeon General is backing us up with real data that shows just how stressed parents really are. According to the latest report, parents are feeling the pressure more than ever, and this stress doesn’t just affect us—it has a ripple effect on our kids, our communities, and even our society as a whole.
At Sarah Wells Bags, we’re all about supporting parents, especially breastfeeding and working moms, so this report really hits home. And as I shared in my book, Go Ask Your Mothers, it’s time for employers, policymakers, and all of us to step up and make life easier for parents.
Parenting Stress by the Numbers
Let’s get real: parenting can feel overwhelming. The Surgeon General’s report shows that 33% of parents say they’ve had high levels of stress in the past month, compared to only 20% of adults without kids. Even more eye-opening? Almost half of parents (48%) say their stress is so overwhelming it’s hard to manage most days. That’s double the rate of non-parents!
In Go Ask Your Mothers, I talk about how this stress isn’t just about the day-to-day juggling act we do—financial strain, time pressures, isolation, and even worrying about our kids’ futures play a big role. And, for some parents, the Surgeon General so critically shares, things like poverty, violence, and discrimination make it even harder.
Why Supporting Parents Matters
Here’s something important to remember: raising kids is hard work. The Surgeon General points out that parenting is just as important (if not more) as any paid job when it comes to the future of our society. And it’s true! When we take care of parents, we’re taking care of our kids, our future workforce, and the health of our communities.
In Go Ask Your Mothers, I dive into why businesses and leaders need to recognize this. Supporting working parents isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have for companies that want happy, productive employees. When parents are stressed out, it affects everything from workplace performance to family dynamics. But when they’re supported? Everyone wins.
What Employers Can Do
The Surgeon General lays out some key actions for employers, and they line up directly with the advice I share in Go Ask Your Mothers. Here’s what employers can do to help:
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Create more supportive policies: Paid family leave, flexible work hours, and mental health resources should be available to all working parents. It’s not just a perk—it’s necessary to help parents manage the stress that comes with balancing work and family.
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Train managers: Employers need to train their managers to support parents. Whether it’s understanding the challenges of new parenthood or helping employees avoid burnout, good management makes all the difference.
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Make mental health care accessible: We know how important mental health is, especially for parents. Employers need to make sure that affordable, high-quality mental health care is available and easy to access for everyone.
What Policymakers Can Do
But it’s not just about the workplace. We also need our government and community leaders to step up and support parents. The Surgeon General calls for action on a national level, and here are some of the things policymakers can do:
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Establish national paid family and medical leave: No parent should have to choose between caring for their child and keeping their job. Paid leave is crucial for families to thrive.
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Invest in local communities: Parenting can feel isolating, but with better social infrastructure (think local parenting groups, community programs, and mental health resources), parents can feel more connected and supported.
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Break down barriers: We need to tackle the root causes of stress, like poverty, discrimination, and lack of affordable childcare. These are big issues, but they affect the mental health of so many parents.
It’s Time for Change
As I emphasize in Go Ask Your Mothers, supporting parents isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do. When we support parents, everyone benefits. Whether through workplace policies or government programs, we need to build a world where raising kids doesn’t feel like an impossible task.
This Surgeon General’s report -- and advisory -- is a wake-up call, and it’s time we all step up to make life a little easier for parents. From businesses creating family-friendly workplaces to policymakers passing laws that actually help families, there’s a lot we can do.
What Can You Do?: Let’s keep this conversation going! How are you making changes in your workplace or community to support parents?
