Surgeon General: Parents Are at Their Wits’ End. We Can Do Better.

NY Times Guest Article

Aug. 28, 2024

By Vivek H. Murthy

In his article, "Surgeon General: Parents Are at Their Wits’ End. We Can Do Better," published on August 28, 2024, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy emphasizes the critical mental health challenges facing parents and caregivers in the United States. Drawing from his own experience with his daughter’s health scare, Murthy highlights the intense stress, isolation, and exhaustion that modern parents face while raising children. He argues that this issue should be viewed as a public health concern and calls for systemic changes to provide tangible support for parents.

Murthy points out that while parenting is full of joy, it is also more stressful than many jobs, and the overwhelming pressure many parents feel often goes unnoticed. A recent study by the American Psychological Association reveals that 48% of parents report feeling that their stress is completely overwhelming on most days, a figure significantly higher than among non-parents. Factors such as financial strain, lack of sleep, and safety concerns have always been part of parenting, but Murthy notes that parents today also face new stressors like the pervasive influence of screens and social media, a youth mental health crisis, and fears about the future.

A significant factor exacerbating parental stress is loneliness. Many parents, particularly single parents, feel isolated in their struggles, which makes it harder to cope. Compounding this is the increased time parents now spend working and caring for their children, leaving little time for self-care, relationships, or relaxation. Murthy stresses that this combination of stress, isolation, and exhaustion directly impacts the mental health of children, making it essential to address parents’ well-being as part of improving children's health.

Murthy also discusses the damaging effects of societal pressure and comparison, often fueled by social media. Parents are bombarded with unrealistic expectations of how they should parent, leaving them feeling perpetually behind and inadequate. This cultural trend has led to widespread burnout and feelings of failure among families.

Murthy asserts that change is needed, starting with how society values parenting. He calls for policies and programs that ease the burden on parents, such as expanding access to early childhood education, increasing financial support through child tax credits, and ensuring parents have access to paid leave and affordable child care. Murthy emphasizes the importance of providing mental health support for parents and children, highlighting the progress made with programs like the mental health crisis hotline.

Additionally, Murthy addresses the need for practical supports, such as affordable before- and after-school care, more predictable work schedules for parents, and workplace leadership that understands the complexities of raising children. These policies can create a better environment for families to thrive. On a community level, safe playgrounds, libraries, and community centers can serve as vital resources where parents and children can connect and find support.

Murthy concludes by reminding individuals of the critical role they can play in supporting parents. Whether family, friends, or neighbors, showing up and offering help, even in small ways, can make a significant difference in the lives of stressed parents. He encourages parents to view asking for help as an act of strength, not weakness, emphasizing that parenting should be seen as a team effort.

Ultimately, Murthy argues that while parenting will always involve some level of worry, reorienting societal priorities and providing more support for parents can shift the balance toward joy.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/28/opinion/surgeon-general-parental...

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com