The reality is there will always be stress in life, whether due to financial challenges, health issues, divorce, or other hardships. Yet research shows that how parents respond to stressful situations – whether they have the capacity to cope in a healthy way and the skills to buffer kids from the stress of the situation – is much more important than the stress itself in determining family outcomes.
And we as individuals and as communities can play a part in supporting families.
When caregivers are able to manage stress and function well even in the face of adversity, children can continue to develop in healthy, positive ways. Here are two ways to help:
Encourage self care
Ask parents and caregivers about how they’re taking care of themselves and, if they’re open, be ready with ideas and suggestions.
Take the pressure of
Parenting is stressful. Normalizing that fact can take the pressure off parents and caregivers and keep them from judging themselves too harshly. You can help by talking things through and sharing your own stories, and collaboratively creating a plan for responding to stressful parenting situations.
Want to learn more about how your community can support children and families?
Visit the Center for the Study of Social Policy to find resources on how communities and philanthropic organizations can and are helping.