Image of a notebook laying on a blue table. Discover how parent coaching in Seattle, WA can help you address parental stress and manage challenges in your household.

Parents are being seen. An important publication about parenting stress was released in August 2024. The document is "Parents Under Pressure: The U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the Mental Health & Well-Being of Parents." The advisory highlights how the well-being of parents is often overlooked. And yet, parental mental health is crucial for the health of children and the broader community. Addressing parental stress and mental health is essential for our society as a whole. Parents report higher stress levels than other adults.

Parents experience stressors such as financial strain, time demands, isolation, and cultural pressures. Parents also bear the worry about their children's health and safety. Mental health conditions in parents can impact children. Addressing these conditions is crucial for the well-being of our children. When our children can thrive, our broader society will benefit as well.

The Surgeon General makes recommendations for system-wide changes. We need changes at the government level, employers, and schools. The advisory also outlines how parents might think about their immediate support systems. By tapping into local support with parent coaching, parents may be able to access the care that they need for themselves. Friends, family, and professionals are all sources of valuable support to parents.

Parents of Children With Behavior Problems Often Experience More Mental Health Struggles.

The advisory highlights that parents' mental health is linked to how well their child is doing. Parents of children with behavior problems feel more stress compared to parents of children without such issues. This increased stress can stem from the challenges of managing difficult behaviors. It can also be rooted in concerns about the child's future and the strain on family dynamics.

Chronic stress from managing a child's behavioral problems impacts parents’ mental health. Parents might develop new mental health conditions as a result. Stress can also worsen existing mental health issues in parents. Feelings of isolation, guilt, or inadequacy may compound their mental health problems. These feelings are often experienced by parents dealing with their children's behavioral problems. The mental health of parents can have an impact on children's development. When parents have mental health struggles, their children are more likely to develop similar issues. This can create a cycle that can be challenging to break

Image of a pregnant woman sitting in a chair reading a book and holding a mug. Reduce the stress you have as a parent with the support of a skilled parent coach in Seattle, WA.

The Advisory Underscores the Importance of Providing Support to Parents.

Parents who have children with behavior problems face added challenges. These parents are especially in need of support. Parent coaching is a research-backed approach. It can help to improve parent mental health and the well-being of the household. Parent training programs are known to positively impact parent mental health outcomes.

Key Findings About The Benefits of Parent Coaching in Seattle, WA:

Reduction in Parental Stress

Studies have consistently found that parent training programs can significantly reduce parental stress. Parents feel more equipped to handle their children's behavior. They also develop a clearer understanding of effective parenting strategies.

Decrease in Parent Depression and Anxiety

Research has also looked at how parent symptoms improve with parenting help. When parents receive training or coaching, they often feel less depressed and anxious. This benefit may relate to improvements in the child's behavior. Parents also enjoy increased parental efficacy. Support provided by the providers working with the parents also has a positive impact.

Improved Parenting Self-Efficacy

Parenting programs often lead to increased parenting self-efficacy. Parents feel more confident in their ability to manage their children's behavior. This boost in confidence can contribute to better mental health outcomes.

Enhanced Coping Skills

Many programs teach parents coping strategies for dealing with stress and challenging behaviors. When parents learn effective coping skills, mental health is likely to improve. Parents often enjoy having new tools to manage their own emotional responses.

Better Family Dynamics

Image of a mother kissing her young daughter on her forehead. With parent coaching in Seattle, WA you can begin managing your child's behavior more effectively and receive the support you need.

Improvements in child behavior lead to more positive family interactions. More effective parenting strategies contribute to a more peaceful tone within the household. Conflict is often reduced. With these better family dynamics, there is a benefit to parent mental health.

Long-Term Benefits

Research suggests that the mental health benefits for parents can be long-lasting. When skills and strategies are applied over time, positive effects are most likely to persist.

How Parent Coaching Can Be Key to Parent Mental Health

The Surgeon General issued a recent advisory on parent mental health. The report highlights the importance of supporting parental mental health. Direct steps are needed to reduce parent stress. Supporting parents of children with challenges benefits parent’s mental health. Research on parenting interventions backs up these claims. Parenting programs can have a beneficial impact on parent mental health. These programs help parents manage their children's behavior more effectively. Parents learn new skills. They also receive the support needed to improve their own sense of well-being.

Next Steps for Working with a Parenting Coach at Child and Teen Solutions in Seattle, WA

Our team at Child and Teen Solutions offers evidence-based guidance to parents. Parenting help can assist with child behavior problems, anxiety, ADHD, and autism. Many parents are tentative about taking action. Some may not be aware of how impactful parenting services can be. Parents might also worry about the vulnerability involved in sharing their household struggles. Our parent coaches are trained in parent training programs that work. We approach families with compassion, warmth, understanding, and a nonjudgmental approach. Families who work with us can expect to feel understood and validated. We offer practical guidance for how to manage child struggles. Many parents will find that they feel less stressed after receiving help. They feel more empowered and competent in dealing with their child's challenges.

Find Support in Overcoming Your Family’s Unique Challenges With Parent Coaching in Seattle, WA

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by parenting stress, support is here. Our Seattle-based parent coaching team provides compassionate, research-backed guidance to help you manage challenges and improve family well-being. Take the first step towards reducing stress and building a healthier, happier home with the help of Child and Teen Solutions. Follow these three simple steps to get started:

1. Contact us and we will get back to you to gather information and answer any questions you may have about parent coaching.

2. Our Client Care Coordinator will walk you through the steps for scheduling and preparing for your first appointment with a skilled parent coach.

3. Start finding support in overcoming your family’s unique challenges!

Additional Mental Health Services Provided by Child and Teen Solutions

CATS offers comprehensive support tailored to meet the unique needs of every family member. We provide a range of services, including parent coaching, to help you overcome your family’s unique challenges. Our specialized services for young individuals support them in areas such as self-regulation, ADHD, autism/PDA, emotional management, defiance, and anxiety. Additionally, for families with young children, we offer Theraplay, creating a shared experience for parents and children in therapy sessions. If your child or teen would benefit from working one-on-one with a therapist, please explore our child and teen service pages. In some instances, the same therapist providing parent coaching may transition to work directly with your child, or it may be beneficial to assign another CATS specialist to support them individually. For families seeking more insight into a child or teen’s development and learning profile, we also offer neurodevelopmental evaluations. We welcome and affirm all family structures and identities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, in every aspect of our care. Check out our blog for more articles like this!

A Parent Coach’s Response to the Surgeon General’s Advisory on Parent Stress & Family Mental Health: How Parent Coaching Can Help