May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it is more important than ever to recognize that supporting the mental health of parents is foundational to the health and wellbeing of children and families.
Parenting has never been easy, but the pressures on families today are especially intense. From the high cost of living and childcare to a lack of paid family leave and mental health services, families are expected to navigate complex challenges with minimal support. On top of that, widespread uncertainty around children’s safety in schools, immigration-related fears, and persistent inequities in healthcare further compound stress for parents.
The 2024 U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory, Parents Under Pressure, underscores the severity of this crisis. According to the report, 41% of parents say that most days they are so stressed they cannot function, and 48% report that their stress is completely overwhelming. These figures are significantly higher than those for non-parents, highlighting the unique challenges faced by caregivers. The advisory identifies key stressors contributing to this crisis, including financial strain, time demands, concerns about children's health and safety, parental isolation, and the pervasive influence of technology and social media.
These stressors not only impact parents but also have profound effects on children. Chronic parental stress can hinder a parent's ability to meet their child's emotional and developmental needs, potentially leading to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Such experiences are linked to long-term health issues, including heart disease, depression, and anxiety, and can increase the risk of suicide in adulthood.
While systemic reforms are essential, local organizations are working every day to fill the gaps. Family Resource Centers like Cope Family Center provide vital support to parents in Napa County. Through home visiting programs, parenting classes, emergency supplies, and connections to mental health and housing resources, Cope offers families the tools and support they need to build safe, nurturing homes. Our services include screenings for maternal depression and hands-on support that empowers parents and strengthens protective factors for children.
At Cope, we believe that by supporting parents’ mental health, we are building a stronger, safer future for everyone. But we can’t do this work alone.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, I urge our community to take action:
Check in on the parents and caregivers in your life. A kind word, a shared meal, or simply offering to listen can make a real difference.
Support organizations like Cope Family Center that are on the front lines, helping families thrive.
Speak out against proposed federal legislation that threatens families by cutting essential safety net programs like WIC, SNAP, and Medicaid, restricting reproductive healthcare access, or limiting parental rights in education and healthcare decisions.
Advocate for policies that support families, including affordable childcare, paid family leave, mental health parity, and equitable access to care for all parents and children.
Talk openly about mental health to reduce stigma and ensure that parents feel safe asking for help when they need it.
When parents are supported, children thrive—and communities flourish. Let’s work together to make sure every family has the mental, emotional, and practical support they need to grow and succeed.
Maria Chavez
Program Director, Cope Family Center