To support children, support the mental health and well-being of parents and caregivers

The author says that to promote good outcomes for children, it's more important than ever to provide social supports to parents and other caregivers. (Photo: Getty Images)

The future of our children is closely tied to the support available to their parents and other caregivers. Recent commitments from U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy highlight the urgent need for comprehensive support systems to address the intense stress faced by modern parents. This new report notes parents consistently experience higher stress levels compared to other adults. While 33% of parents report high stress in the past month, only 20% of other adults do.

This important report also notes, nearly half of parents find their daily stress overwhelming, compared to 26% of other adults. Unique stressors for parents, the report notes, include financial strain, time demands, and concerns about children’s health and safety. Factors such as parental isolation, technology, and cultural pressures also contribute.

Parental caregiver stress impacts their own mental well-being and, by extension, their children’s development. Many parents lack adequate support, leading to isolation and burnout. I see these challenges in both my personal life and in my professional role. I speak to caregivers every day who care for children as well as aging family members – many of whom have caregiving duties across the lifespan.

As a parent, a caregiver, and a seasoned researcher who focuses on caregiving challenges and related policies, I know these challenges require a multifaceted approach that should include the following key elements, many of which are highlighted in the Surgeon General’s report.

Local parent groups can provide vital support by allowing parents to share experiences and advice. Pairing new parents with seasoned mentors can also offer valuable guidance and reassurance. Additionally, accessible mental health services are essential. Workshops on stress management and parenting skills can help parents handle their pressures, while counseling services provide necessary support. Mental health conditions among parents can be influenced by broader social determinants like poverty and discrimination.

Employers should offer flexible work policies, such as remote work and adjustable hours, to accommodate parenting demands. Advocating for more flexible childcare options can help working parents manage their responsibilities more effectively. Paid family leave is also critical in supporting parents during crucial times.

Family-friendly community events and volunteer opportunities can help parents feel connected and supported, enhancing their sense of belonging and purpose. Parenting classes and resource centers provide valuable knowledge for navigating child development and parenting challenges. Lastly, financial aid for low-income families and workshops on budgeting can ease the financial burdens of childcare and other expenses.

My research focuses on the intersection of health and social services so I echo the Surgeon General’s report that health and social service professionals should prioritize preventive care by educating parents and caregivers on stress management, mental health, and trauma-informed care. Additionally, professionals can utilize wellness and pediatric visits to check on children’s and parents’ well-being and provide developmental information. Screening for mental health conditions during primary care, prenatal, postpartum, and urgent care visits is crucial. Health providers should screen for maternal postpartum depression from birth to six months, as well as caregiver mental health from birth to age 21, and connect care to identified challenges. Health systems can also partner with community organizations to support parents and caregivers, addressing economic and social needs, and provide culturally responsive services.

By adopting even some of these strategies, health and social service professionals, state policy makers, employers, and parents themselves can build a supportive environment that not only helps parents and caregivers thrive but also ensures a better future for our children.