This post originally appeared at https://wifamilycouncil.org/radio/mental-health-decline-among-mothers-points-to-cultural-issues/
The Journal of the American Medical Association recently reported a significant decline in mental health among mothers with children 17 and under. Although this decline has many contributing factors, one expert, Erica Komisar, argues that unrealistic societal expectations are the primary factor. Komisar explains that the modern expectation for mothers to pursue full-time work while raising children is unrealistic for many women. Mothers need time and support to care for their children without the constant pressure to reenter the workforce.
Declining mental health among mothers who feel pressured to choose work over family shows the urgent need to shift the cultural narrative that looks down on stay-at-home moms. Mothers who want to stay home and raise their children should feel supported culturally, and public policy at all levels should also seek to support these women and this important family dynamic.