According to a new warning published by the Surgeon General last week, parenting is stressful and hazardous to your health. Ummm, maybe tell us something that we don’t already know? Specifically, he notes that over the last ten years, parents have experienced significantly more stress than do adults without children. He also says that in addition to stress being harmful to parents’ health, it can affect children not only day to day but can also cause them to be at risk of depression and anxiety later in life.
Validation!
Having spent 15 years in D.C. working for the federal government, and the last seven on Cape Cod (4½ of which I’ve been raising kids), I can tell you that when I saw the news, I was surprised that the “Nation’s Doctor” is finally acknowledging what we as parents feel. But I also feel validated, gratified, and in a way, finally visible. Past Surgeon Generals have provided leading voices for the U.S. government on matters of public health that helped change perceptions of cigarettes, drunk driving, AIDS, etc. Because these advisories have changed public discourse and, in essence, the world as we know it (tobacco label warnings, anyone?), maybe there’s still hope for us.Â
A Fundamental Shift
If you’re reading this, I know that you know that parenting is the most difficult, often thankless, and demanding experience that you can have on planet Earth. This was even acknowledged (in slightly different verbiage) by Dr. Murthy himself, as a father of two. He notes, “With this Advisory, I am calling for a fundamental shift in how we value and prioritize the mental health and well-being of parents. I am also outlining policies, programs, and individual actions we can all take to support parents and caregivers.”
How We Can Help
Do we at Cape Cod Moms, Boston Moms, and Rhode Island Moms know what the solution is for what seems to be now safe to call a national crisis? No, unfortunately, we don’t. But what we can continue to offer you and your family are ideas on how to make the small things a little easier: where to take the kids this weekend, help with food insecurity, making a positive transition to school, and so on.
Additionally, we continue to look for ways that help with the stressors on parents. These include our Wicked Good Moms Playdates, our coffee meet-ups, and our moms’ nights out. These events were all created and designed with moms and what they need in mind: community, someone to tell them they’re doing a good job, and in-person connection.Â
As the public digests and the news cycle moves on, always keep in mind that we’re here, we’re growing, and we see you.Â
