Search Here

Stress is inevitable, but it can be managed. On top of personal priorities and struggles, parenting can bring additional stress to a person. 

In a survey conducted by YouGov for Brigham Young University, experts found that the life of American families can bring about both hope and worry. While individuals express contentment within their families, concerns about societal challenges loom large.

For example, political divides significantly influence views on family challenges. Nevertheless, personal family happiness remains relatively consistent across political spectrums.

The survey underscored a broad desire for policies to support families, with overwhelming support for measures like paid family leave, child tax credits, healthcare access and mental health services. While partisan differences persist in policy preferences, there's potential for collaboration to address the multifaceted challenges faced by American families in 2023.

Inflation

The soaring costs of raising a family in the U.S. are a major concern among American households. The ninth annual American Family Survey highlighted this, emphasizing the post-COVID recovery of the economy but underscoring persistent worries about inflation. The financial strain caused by inflation, particularly among those facing recent crises or income constraints, has remained a pressing issue.

Mental and physical health

The survey unveiled the profound impact of mental and physical health struggles on American families, ranking among the top concerns. This concern for well-being surpassed other familial challenges like violence, education opportunities and substance abuse. Notably, declining religious faith, job scarcity and family time constraints occupied the mid-tier of concerns.

Job security

Economic stability and job security continue to create stress within households. Despite the economic recovery, worries persist about high work demands, parental stress and the overall affordability of family life. The survey highlighted a pronounced effect on families across income brackets, revealing that financial strain is a pervasive issue, impacting both middle- and low-income households.