By Sharnita Harris, PhD
Psychologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Toledo
Parenting, while meaningful and rewarding, can also be stressful, especially when families are balancing work, school, finances and children’s emotional needs. Parental stress is common, yet often overlooked, and it can affect not only a caregiver’s well‐being but also a child’s development and mental health.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important to recognize that supporting parents is a critical part of supporting children. When caregivers feel overwhelmed or depleted, it becomes harder to maintain patience, consistency and emotional connection. Small, intentional steps such as asking for help, setting realistic expectations, practicing self‐care and connecting with trusted resources, can make a meaningful difference.
Parents don’t have to navigate stress alone. The Kids Mental Health Foundation, founded by Nationwide Children’s Hospital, offers practical tools and guidance to support caregiver well-being, including five simple steps to help manage parental stress. By prioritizing caregiver mental health and encouraging open conversations about stress and support, families can grow stronger together.
