Parenting and Self-Care | Why Parents' Mental Health Matters | Annie’s Creative Counseling

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, a significant percentage of parents report feeling overwhelmed and stressed.

Over the past decade, parents have been consistently more likely to report experiencing high levels of stress compared to other adults. In 2023, 33% of parents reported high levels of stress in the past month compared to 20% of other adults.

Add this is all prior to the pandemic, which likely has worsened.

Research indicates that parents—particularly mothers—were hit hardest during the pandemic, facing unprecedented stress and challenges. The pandemic didn't just disrupt our daily routines; it drained our emotional resources.

So 5 years later it's important to recognize that the "new normal" is something quite different. For many parents, it’s a reality shaped by exhaustion, both physically and emotionally. Pre-pandemic, I could often predict the mental health outcomes of my clients based on how well their parents were doing. If the parents were self-regulated, emotionally available, and had their own needs met, the child would typically thrive. But if the parents were struggling, our focus shifted to empowering them first. After all, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and a child’s mental wellness is deeply connected to the well-being of their caregivers.

I remember growing up, my mom would say, “as long as y’all are good, I’m good.” And while that seems honorable and esteemed, it often fails to address the needs of the parent. Let’s flip it. “My kids are better when I take care of myself” Make this your anthem into the new year as you set your intentions. How will you show up for yourself?

Simple Self-Care Strategies for Parents

• Set Boundaries: It's your right to say "no" and protect your energy. Saying "no" isn't selfish—it's essential for your mental health.

• Claim Your Space: Sometimes, self-care looks like locking the bathroom door for 15 minutes of peace or retreating to a quiet corner to recharge.

• Delegate Tasks: You don’t have to do it all. Asking for help and delegating tasks to others is an act of self-care, not weakness.

• Join a Community- we believe that it takes a village to raise a child, so no one (or two) people can do it alone. You need a community that can ease the isolation of parenting and remind you that you have people in your corner who will show up for you.

Start small, but stay consistent.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need support navigating your mental health, self-care, or your parenting journey, reach out to Annie's Creative Counseling. We’re here to help you thrive, so your family can, too.

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Stay Well,