Choosing to become a parent can be a rewarding and fulfilling journey. Even so, every parent knows that the journey is not always smooth sailing. It can often be challenging and stressful.
So stressful in fact, that the U.S. Surgeon General called attention to this widespread issue.
What does the report say?
In August 2024, the U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory called “Parents Under Pressure.” This pamphlet highlighted how serious the stress is that parents face nowadays, from financial concerns to worries over their children’s health and safety.
In light of this increasing stress, the advisory labels parental stress as a public health concern. After all, stress can have a significant impact on your health – and a parent’s health and well-being can impact their children’s lives as well.
So, what can co-parents do?
There is no doubt that the stress of parenting only compounds for divorced parents. You may be well aware of these overwhelming feelings of stress. Spreading awareness of this issue can be helpful to shift cultural thought and even public policy.
However, in the meantime, it will be critical for divorced parents in North Carolina to work to reduce their stress. This will look different for each person, but some key steps co-parents should take include:
- Find the arrangement that works for you: Perhaps you can cooperate well and co-parent with your ex-spouse. In other cases, you may wish to pursue a parallel parenting arrangement that limits contact between you and your ex-spouse. Regardless, discovering the type of arrangement and the terms of your parenting plan that work best for you will help to reduce stress.
- Find your community: In stressful times, it helps to be able to rely on people you trust. You could depend on your friends and family for help or even find a support group of other divorced parents navigating similar situations. Remember, you are not alone.
- Find your peace: The specifics of how you manage your stress may be unique to you. Once you find what works for you, whether that is relaxing through physical exercise or mental meditation, you must prioritize and protect it.
This stress may stem from being a parent, but seeking ways to effectively manage your stress can better equip you to handle parental stress – and be the best parent you can be.