US Surgeon General says raising children can put health at risk
Updated: October 17, 2024 4:55 PM EDT
hindrance. We all know that being a parent is hard work, rewarding work, but hard work. A recent warning from the commander in chief of the U.S. military says it’s beyond daunting. It’s actually putting our health at risk. Dr. Jean Barrington is executive director of MGH’s Clay Center for Healthy Young Minds. Teacher, I’m always happy to meet you. I always hope this is a job that will never reach the finish line, and there is no manual that comes with becoming a parent. So when you come on the show with us, we always talk about kids, right? But we want to put something on screen for you and would love to hear your analysis of it. The report found that 41% of parents of children aged 4 and over say they are too stressed out or unable to work most days. Well, thank you very much. Thank you for having me. A lot has changed in the past 20 years. First of all, I think there are financial burdens and time constraints. Parents are increasingly burdened with excessive costs of education, childcare, and financial instability. We are also concerned about time demands, as actual working hours are much longer. And they are caring for other loved ones at home. Second, their health challenges, they’re worried about their children’s health challenges. Mental health is an epidemic among young people, with anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness and suicide on the rise. that’s what they’re worried about. and developmental disorders. that’s what they’re worried about. They also worry about child safety, kidnappings, mass shootings, and bullying. Third, they worry about technology and social media. Three out of four parents are concerned about internet use and abuse. And finally, there are cultural and social pressures that parents are now driven to produce, just like their children, to be the best they can be. And it puts too much stress on them too. Doctor, when we talk about burnout, we usually talk about work, but parenting is a full-time job. It’s okay to do whatever you want. What are the signs that there might be a problem? If you’re a parent? First of all, burnout. Well, we know it as doctors and medical professionals, but burnout is defined as emotional exhaustion and isolation. Detachment and feelings of worthlessness result in poor self-care, poor parenting, poor empathy, and poor decision-making. And it has physical effects as well. Medical consequences. You know, teacher, when you look at the list of signs of parental burnout, they’re raising their children. Let’s be honest. It doesn’t get any easier than this. right. So what can parents do to take care of themselves in order to take care of their families? The first thing I always tell parents is, you know, the flight attendants say, “If the air pressure drops, It’s like saying “Tara.” In this case, if the pressure increases, first put on the oxygen mask yourself. Yeah. And help others next to you. The most important thing is self-care. Parents should take time to meditate, do yoga, exercise, eat well, and sleep well. Hygiene is very important to maintain good health. Next, turn off your smartphone. We’re all digital hostages, so take some time to schedule it. You can’t. You need to sort out your priorities and set some priorities. There are things you can do and things you can’t do. You can’t do everything, but try to do some things that are fun for you. Get out. Let’s enjoy nature. Listen to music, use creative art, or adopt a pet. If you have pets, play with them. Do things that can actually rejuvenate you. Please charge the battery. Third, spend time with family and friends. In other words, we humans are herd animals. we need each other. We need relationships and we need a lot of contact with each other. Finally, the final contribution. As you know, our brains are wired to care more about giving than receiving. And the more we can do, whether it’s for the people of North Carolina or for our local neighbors, the more we can give than receive. If all or any of these really don’t work, seek professional help, get an evaluation, and see what else you can do. Always thoughtful and grateful to the doctor. Thank you very much.
US Surgeon General says raising children can put health at risk
Updated: October 17, 2024 4:55 PM EDT
A recent warning from the U.S. Surgeon General says that raising children is not only hard work, but actually puts health at risk. Helping us understand this highly unusual movement is Dr. Jean Beresin, executive director of MGH’s Clay Center for Young and Healthy Minds.
A recent warning from the U.S. Surgeon General says that raising children is not only hard work, but actually puts health at risk.
Helping us understand this highly unusual movement is Dr. Jean Beresin, executive director of MGH’s Clay Center for Young and Healthy Minds.
