Parent Mental Health: Why Supporting Parents is Key to Family Wellbeing
Parenthood is often heralded as one of life’s most rewarding experiences. Yet, for many, it’s also one of the most challenging roles they’ll ever take on. While much attention is (rightly) given to the physical and emotional development of children, the mental health of parents often takes a back seat. This is particularly concerning when we consider that parental wellbeing forms the foundation of healthy, thriving families.
As complementary and integrative health professionals, we have a unique opportunity to support parents during this pivotal time in their lives. Our work can make a profound difference, empowering parents to prioritise their mental health, develop resilience, and create harmony within their families. This article explores the challenges parents face, the significance of parental mental health, and specific ways CMA Members can play a vital role in this arena.
The Pressures of Modern Parenthood and the Effects on Parent Mental Health
Today’s parents face pressures that are both universal and unique to our time. Many juggle demanding careers, financial burdens, and societal expectations while striving to be emotionally available and engaged with their children. Social media has amplified these challenges, presenting parents with a never-ending stream of “perfect families” that can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and guilt.
Factors contributing to parental mental health struggles include:
- Sleep Deprivation: Especially common in the early years of parenting, lack of sleep can lead to exhaustion, irritability, and increased vulnerability to anxiety and depression.
- Isolation: Many parents, particularly new mums, experience loneliness as traditional community networks shrink.
- High Expectations: Parents often feel pressure to “do it all”—achieve career success, maintain a spotless home, and be emotionally available to their children 24/7.
- Financial Strain: The rising cost of living adds additional stress, leaving many parents feeling stretched to their limits.
When these challenges go unaddressed, the toll on mental health can be significant. Parental burnout, anxiety, depression, and feelings of overwhelm can arise, making it difficult for parents to meet their own needs, let alone those of their children.
Why Parental Mental Health Matters
When parents struggle with their mental health, the ripple effects extend far beyond their own wellbeing. Research has consistently shown that parental mental health directly impacts children’s emotional and physical development. Children of parents experiencing anxiety or depression, for example, are more likely to face behavioural, academic, or emotional challenges themselves.
Conversely, when parents are supported in prioritising their own mental health, they’re better equipped to:
- Manage stress and model healthy coping strategies.
- Create emotionally supportive and secure environments for their children.
- Build strong family bonds that promote resilience and connection.
For us as complementary health professionals, this highlights a powerful truth: supporting parents is one of the most impactful ways to support families and communities as a whole.
How Complementary Practitioners Can Help
As CMA Members, we have a wealth of tools at our disposal to support parents on their mental health journey. By offering holistic, evidence-based approaches, we can empower parents to navigate the challenges of parenthood with greater ease, resilience, and joy.
1. Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques
Mindfulness is a cornerstone of many complementary health practices and offers parents a simple, effective way to manage stress and improve emotional regulation. Encourage parents to:
- Attend mindfulness workshops or one-on-one sessions to learn techniques like meditation, breathwork, and body scanning.
- Practice short, daily mindfulness exercises that fit into their busy schedules. For example, taking five minutes to focus on their breath or engage in a grounding exercise can make a significant difference.
Example: As a practitioner, you might offer a guided meditation tailored for overwhelmed parents or lead a small group session focused on stress reduction techniques.
2. Nutritional Support for Mental Health
Nutrition plays a vital role in mental wellbeing, and many parents are unaware of how their diet impacts their mood and energy levels. Offer consultations to:
- Assess nutritional deficiencies that may be contributing to fatigue or low mood (e.g., omega-3s, magnesium, B vitamins).
- Create meal plans that prioritise nutrient-dense, easy-to-prepare foods for busy families.
- Educate parents on the importance of blood sugar regulation for stabilising mood and energy.
Example: A CMA-Registered nutritionist could provide workshops for parents on creating quick, healthy meals or guide clients through tailored supplement protocols to support mental health.
3. Bodywork Therapies for Relaxation
Physical tension often mirrors mental stress, making bodywork therapies a valuable tool for parents. Therapies like massage, reflexology, or craniosacral therapy can:
- Help parents release built-up tension.
- Provide a safe space to relax and recharge.
- Reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve sleep quality.
Example: Offer a “parent wellbeing package” that combines bodywork with mindfulness or nutritional advice for a truly holistic approach.
4. Building Community Connections
Many parents suffer in silence, feeling isolated in their struggles. As practitioners, we can help create spaces where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. This could include:
- Hosting parent support groups or workshops where participants can share experiences and learn from one another.
- Partnering with local community organisations to offer resources for parents.
- Providing online forums or virtual meet-ups for parents who can’t attend in person.
Example: A yoga instructor might create a weekly “mum and baby” yoga class that combines gentle movement with community building.
5. Coaching and Counselling
Parents often need guidance to navigate specific challenges, such as balancing work and family life, managing co-parenting dynamics, or addressing their own emotional wounds. Offer services like:
- Life coaching to help parents set boundaries, prioritise self-care, and achieve personal goals.
- Counselling or emotional support sessions to address deeper mental health challenges.
Example: As a holistic counsellor, you could offer a six-week programme focused on helping parents develop resilience and emotional intelligence.
6. Encouraging Movement and Exercise
Physical activity is a powerful tool for mental health, yet many parents struggle to find time for exercise. Support them by:
- Offering short, family-friendly exercise routines that parents can do at home.
- Encouraging activities like nature walks, which combine movement with the mental health benefits of being outdoors.
- Teaching movement practices like yoga or tai chi, which promote relaxation and mental clarity.
Example: Run a weekend outdoor class where parents can bring their children, encouraging movement and connection in a supportive setting.
7. Lots of Options That May Well Help You Build Your Practice
Thinking laterally can be a really great way of spotting opportunities to help, while positioning your practice uniquely. For example, a CMA-Registered Reflexologist could teach DIY points for use at home, for the parents – and for kids. CMA-Registered Reiki practitioners could also run courses for parents to learn simple energy-medicine interventions that will genuinely help bring calm to fraught kids and environments. We covered tips for Nutritionists above – and naturally, these are just a few ideas – but we know you get the picture. Adding these kinds of offerings into your practice can differentiate your work from others out there – thus positioning you as the obvious ‘go-to’ practitioner.
The Role of The CMA in Supporting Parents
The Complementary Medical Association is committed to promoting the highest standards in natural healthcare and supporting practitioners in their vital work. By highlighting the unique ways CMA Members can support parents, we can collectively raise awareness of the importance of parental mental health and empower families to thrive.
CMA Members already have a fantastic reputation, but also consider adding special services or workshops specifically tailored to parents. These could include:
- Hosting talks or webinars on parental mental health.
- Creating tailored treatment plans for parents balancing work and family responsibilities.
- Partnering with local schools or community groups to extend your reach.
By positioning your practice as the source of support for parents, you not only grow your business but also make a meaningful difference in your community.
Practical Tips for Parents
Finally, here are some practical strategies to share with parents who may be struggling:
- Start small: Encourage parents to integrate five minutes of self-care into their daily routine, whether it’s deep breathing, journaling, or a short walk.
- Ask for help: Remind parents that seeking support from friends, family, or professionals is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Set realistic expectations: Help parents reframe their thinking around perfectionism, focusing instead on progress and connection.
- Make time for joy: Encourage parents to schedule activities that bring them happiness, whether it’s a hobby, date night, or simple playtime with their children.
- Connect with professionals: Highlight the benefits of working with a CMA Practitioner to create a holistic plan for improved mental health.
My Final Thoughts
Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet demanding journeys a person can undertake. By addressing the mental health needs of parents, we can create a ripple effect of wellbeing that benefits entire families and communities. As CMA Members, we are uniquely positioned to provide the holistic, compassionate support parents need to thrive.
Let’s work together to ensure no parent feels they have to navigate this journey alone. Explore The CMA’s directory of Practitioners to find or refer clients to the expert help they deserve. Also – make sure that your listing on The CMA site is fully up-to-date – including your picture! By ensuring that this is all correct – and that you have a good, clear picture of yourself on display on your page, you will dramatically increase response to your listing – this in itself will help to position you as the “go-to” expert in your area. Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity. It costs you nothing to do this – just a little time – and if you get stuck, we are only a phone call or email away and always happy to help!
By Jayney Goddard MSc, FCMA, PG Dip. Ed FRSM
President, The Complementary Medical Association