[Music] becoming a parent is signing up for a lifetime of joy and worry I wake up every morning wondering can I get through another day I didn't realize being a parent would be so lonely the world is a hard place is my kid going to make it parents and caregivers in America are under pressure as a father of two kids I feel this pressure too raising children has always been a rewarding but stressful job they're the usual difficulty of parenting dealing with financial concerns worrying about our kids health and safety and getting through the teenage
years but today families must also contend with new challenges navigating technology and social media a youth Mental Health crisis an epidemic of loneliness that is hitting young people the hardest and a hyperintense culture of comparison that often leaves parents and kids feeling like they are not good enough parents report more stress compared to other adults in fact 41% of parents say most days they are so stressed they cannot function when stress is severe or prolonged it can impact our mental and physical health but it doesn't have to be this way that's why I'm issuing a
new surgeon general's advisory on parents parents well-being is linked to the well-being of kids it can affect their health their learning and their Futures no Society can Thrive when parents and children are struggling we need a fundamental shift in how we value and prioritize parents wellbeing and we we can all take steps to help policy makers can ensure parents get paid time off to be with the sick child and that families have access to affordable child care and reliable Healthcare workplaces and Community organizations can cultivate environments and policies that support parents and family members friends
and co-workers can provide invaluable assistance by reaching out and offering regular support as parents and caregivers we can speak more openly about the challenges we Face putting aside the shame and guilt that too often keep us from asking for help raising children is sacred work it should matter to all of us by supporting parents and caregivers we can take a giant step toward building a society where everyone can Thrive visit surgeongeneral.gov parents to learn more
