FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Mental health experts found in 2023 that one-third of parents reported high stress levels.
Those feelings can affect both their physical and mental health, but they can also take a toll on household relationships.
Experts say financial pressures, work demands and limited support systems can lead to that parental burnout.
Being a parent is a rewarding job, but it can also come with significant stressors.
Coraline Robinson, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with Balance Treatment Center, said economic changes have forced many parents to work more just to maintain stability.
“The standard of living is now it takes about two incomes, if not more, to approach the same standard of living that in the 70s could be afforded by one income. So in short, what that means is parents are working harder,” Robinson said.
Health experts note that balancing household responsibilities and work can be especially challenging. A 2024 Gallup survey found 51% of working women in the United States reported feeling stressed, compared to 39% of men.
Melissa Morales, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Kaiser Permanente in Fresno, said the pressure often creates a sense of conflict for parents.
“I think some working moms feel like they’re in a constant tug of war, having to find that work-life balance,” Morales said.
Robinson said many parents struggle to ask for help.
“Good parents should feel responsible, but unfortunately, sometimes we feel responsible for everything, so we feel that we need to manage and control everything, and that’s just not realistic,” Robinson said.
A lack of connection and support can lead to negative emotions, including loneliness and depression, she said. Robinson added that children benefit from seeing their parents healthy.
“One of the most important things for kids is to see their parents are okay and that their parents can also experience joy,” she said.
Health experts encourage parents to prioritize self-care and identify ways to reduce stress. Morales said small adjustments can make a difference.
“Look at what’s causing the most stress and try to minimize that. If you’re feeling guilty about not spending enough time with your children due to work demands, find that special activity you can do,” Morales said.
Experts emphasized that parents do not need to be perfect and should focus on taking things one day at a time.
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