Are the parents all right? Why raising children feels harder than ever

August 17, 2026 - 04:44

Australia's most comprehensive survey of parents has delivered a sobering result: nearly six in ten mothers and fathers report living with moderate to high psychological distress. The findings, drawn from a national study of thousands of families, paint a picture of a generation of caregivers who feel stretched thinner than ever before.

Experts point to a perfect storm of factors behind the numbers. The cost of living has pushed both parents into longer work hours, leaving less time for rest or connection. At the same time, social media has created an endless feed of parenting comparisons, making many feel they are falling short. The pressure to manage children's screen time, school demands, and extracurricular schedules has replaced the simpler rhythms of earlier decades.

There is also a quieter crisis underneath the statistics: many parents report feeling isolated, with fewer extended family members nearby to share the load. The survey shows that mothers, in particular, carry the mental load of organising family life, even when both parents work full time.

Psychologists say the fix is not about trying to be a perfect parent. Small, practical steps matter. Setting boundaries with work emails after hours, scheduling even twenty minutes of personal downtime, and being honest with other parents about struggles can reduce the weight. Community groups and employers also have a role, from flexible rosters to parenting peer support.

The key message from researchers is that feeling overwhelmed is not a personal failure. It is a response to a world that asks more of parents than ever before. Asking for help, whether from a partner, a friend, or a professional, is not a sign of weakness. It is the most practical thing a tired parent can do.