It has been said that parenting is the hardest job in the world. According to new Pew Research poll, many parents today are experiencing the truth in that statement. 62% of parents say that being a parent has been at least somewhat harder than expected, with 26% reporting it’s been a lot harder. Mothers, especially – 30% of them – resonate with this sentiment.

And of all the concerns parents worry their children will face –– alcohol, drugs, bullying, teen pregnancy – mental health struggles top the list. Three quarters of all parents surveyed expressed concern that their children will experience anxiety or depression – with 36% saying they are somewhat worried and 40% of parents say they are extremely or very worried that their children will struggle with these conditions. Social media and the isolation of the pandemic have contributed to a youth mental health crisis, making the challenging job of parenting even harder.

Mental health struggles were even more worrisome than serious concerns over physical safety, that kids would be bullied (35%), abducted (28%), beaten up (25%) or shot (22%). Fears that their children would struggle with drugs and alcohol (23%), become pregnant or get someone pregnant (16%), or get in trouble with the police (14%) rounded out the list. Parents of color were more likely to worry about violence and encounters with the police.

These findings are drawn from the nationally representative survey of 3,757 U.S. parents with children younger than 18 conducted Sept. 20-Oct. 2, 2022.

You can read the full Pew Research report on Parenting in America here.

Growing up is a challenge. And so is parenting. If your child starts to struggle with mental health issues, it can feel bewildering and overwhelming. CASSY, Counseling and Support Services for Youth, is here for you. We come alongside young people in their struggles, offering on-campus, professional counseling services, and we help connect your family to any additional resources you need. Free of charge. We believe that everyone struggles, but no one should struggle alone.