It’s interesting to review statistics about parenting that the Pew Institute gathered. Pew Research Center conducted this study to better understand how American parents approach parenting. This analysis is based on 3,757 U.S. parents with children under age 18. The data was collected as part of a larger survey of parents with children younger than 18 conducted Sept. 20 to Oct. 2, 2022.
The article states that the researchers found that:
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and amid reports of a growing youth mental health crisis, four-in-ten U.S. parents with children younger than 18 say they are extremely or very worried that their children might struggle with anxiety or depression at some point. In fact, mental health concerns top the list of parental worries, followed by 35% who are similarly concerned about their children being bullied, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. These items trump parents’ concerns about certain physical threats to their children, the dangers of drugs and alcohol, teen pregnancy and getting in trouble with the police.
By significant margins, mothers are more likely than fathers to worry about most of these things. There are also differences by income and by race and ethnicity, with lower-income and Hispanic parents generally more likely than other parents to worry about their children’s physical safety, teen pregnancy and problems with drugs and alcohol. Black and Hispanic parents are more likely than White and Asian parents to say they are extremely or very worried about their children getting shot or getting in trouble with the police.
I find that the issue of depression and anxiety are very common concerns in my private coaching clients. Parents feel more confused as to what to do especially for tweens and older. By this age, children often shut down and parents have a hard time learning what their children are feeling so they feel helpless to offer any useful support.
While often teens need their own support through counseling, parents I’ve coached have reported that learning how to be in the Supporter Role has been very helpful. They learn how to not shut down communication so their tweens and teens are more likely to talk to them. Parents use the Supporter Role when the challenge directly impacts their child and the adult is there for support. Being a supporter is very important when your child is anxious or depressed.
Therefore, skilled parents feel more confident about what to do when their child is struggling emotionally. Here are the 4 steps of the Supporter Role.
Knowing when and how to use the Supporter Role is a skill you will use for the rest of your life with your children. This is the role I use whenever my grown daughter calls me because she is looking for a good listener, not someone to tell her what to do. Children of all ages need a safe place with you to express themselves. So, if you are concerned about your children’s emotional well-being, learn the Supporter Role.
Happy Parenting!
Cynthia
Parenting in America: Pew Research finds that anxiety and depression are the biggest worries for parents Read the full article – Pew Research Center – Parenting in America Today
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to download “The 7 Most Common Phrases Parents Say That Stop Kids From Listening”! You’ll also receive my weekly emails where you will learn how to transform annoying conflict into loving cooperation in your home.
Check out my bonus parenting classes on getting kids to listen, be respectful, cooperate, and share their struggles plus more. CLICK HERE.
Cynthia is available for private coaching sessions so you can quickly get the answers you need and make those much need changes right away. Click HERE for a complimentary 45-minute Fast-Track Clarity Session to learn what you can do now to create more harmony in your home.
