Parenting is rewarding, but it’s stressful, too. Guiding the growth and development of another human being from birth to adulthood isn’t for the faint of heart.

Eons ago, it was a daily struggle for our ancestors to simply keep their offspring alive. An uncontrolled illness or accident could easily cut a child’s life short. Food, shelter, warmth and safety were hard to come by.

Parenting Pressures

Thousands of years later, modern-day parenthood still has its scary moments. What first-time parent hasn’t felt a twinge of panic as they left the hospital with a helpless newborn? Been terrified when their kid took a nosedive off the jungle gym? Worried about how they’re doing in school? Or stayed up late until their newbie driver made it home safely?

Sure, we have more creature comforts than paleo parents, but the world remains a dangerous place. In many ways, parents have more to worry about.

Money woes, divorce, blended families, job stability, inflation, affordable child care, food insecurity, gun violence, sexual predators and online bullying are part of contemporary life. Parents grapple with stressors on many fronts.

The pandemic kicked it up a notch. Overnight, many parents were working from home — sans childcare. When schools shut down and abruptly switched to virtual learning, parents stepped in to help their kids navigate online classes.

Post pandemic, parents are still feeling the pressure. So much, that U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a public health advisory to sound the alarm. He warns parents are under much more stress than a decade ago. Today, 48% of parents report their stress is overwhelming compared to 26% of other adults. Parents are struggling financially. They’re working longer hours. And they’re putting their health at risk.

Stress Takes Its Pound of Flesh

Left unmanaged, stress takes a toll on physical health and mental well-being. Along with widespread body pain, it can trigger headaches. Stress can raise blood pressure and boost the risk for heart attack and stroke. It can make it hard to sleep and easy to pack on pounds. Long bouts of stress can even lead to anxiety and depression.

That’s not all. The stress that puts parents’ health and well-being at risk has a trickle-down effect that can take a toll on their kids.

We’re an Ally for Parents

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is here to help our members — including parents — fend off stress, anxiety and worry. See if one or more of these free resources might be right for you.*

Get One-On-One Support
Wish you had someone to talk with? Don’t know what to do or where to turn? You’re not alone. A Behavioral Health Case Manager can help. Our licensed behavioral health clinicians offer strength and support when you need it. Call the number on your member ID card to connect. Your case manager will provide clinical education, plus help finding treatment options and community resources. It’s all available at no-cost. 

Help at Your Fingertips — 24/7  
When you’re struggling, Learn to Live is there. This digital mental health program is available anytime, anywhere. All you need is a laptop, desktop, tablet or phone to get immediate access to tools to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia and substance use. Start with an online assessment to pinpoint the right programs for you. Each can help you build the resilience you need to feel stronger, calmer, better.

We’re Stronger Together
Everyone needs help at one time or another. The Employee Assistance Program is dedicated to helping employees and their families with a broad range of concerns. It’s all confidential.*

• Talk with a mental health therapist about sadness, stress, grief, alcohol and drug use or relationship issues.
• Talk with an attorney about divorce, adoption, family law, wills, and landlord or tenant issues.
• Talk with a financial expert about taxes, debt, budgeting, bankruptcy, retirement, mortgages and insurance.

Sadly, the world isn’t likely to become less complicated or stressful, so don’t try to tough it out alone. Remember, we’re here for you. Nothing is more important to us than your good health and mental well-being. 

* Check your health plan to confirm it offers the benefits listed below. Employee Assistance Program services are confidential, except in rare cases where disclosure is required by law.

Sources: 10 Strange Things Stress Can Do to Your Body,  Cleveland Clinic, 2023; Parents Under Pressure: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents,  Office of the U.S. Surgeon General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2024