Best of House Calls: Supporting Parent Mental Health

How does parents’ mental health influence their kids’ mental health?

Why are parents today feeling so overwhelmed?

How can parents let go of trying to be the perfect parent?

As the father of two young kids, parenting is a common theme the Surgeon General explores with guests. Given the resonance of the Surgeon General’s recent advisory on parent mental health & well-being, this episode digs into the House Calls archives. We revisit moments with guests including Dr. Lisa Damour and Dr. Aliza Pressman, as they share their expertise—walking through great practical advice about navigating disagreements with children, warning about the impacts of technology, and examining how parents and children share their nervous systems—while also sharing moving personal parenting moments.

(02:47)    How are parents feeling these days?

(03:35)    Why are parents so often feeling overwhelmed?

(07:00)    How does parents’ mental health influence their kids’ mental health?

(09:28)    How should parents think about their role in their kids’ mental health?

(12:43)    How can men support each other to be more connected fathers?

(18:42)    Why should we embrace being an imperfect parent?

(20:58)    Why is it helpful to think through goals for parenting?

(22:24)    A brief exercise to help us stay focused on what’s most important to us when we’re parenting our children.

We’d love to hear from you! Send us a note at housecalls@hhs.gov with your feedback & ideas. For more episodes, visit www.surgeongeneral.gov/housecalls.   

We’d love to hear from you! Send us a note at housecalls@hhs.gov with your feedback & ideas. For more episodes, visit www.surgeongeneral.gov/housecalls.