Why parenting in 2025 is ‘particularly stressful’: psychologist

The stress of parenting is taking a toll on moms and dads, as they turn to mental health experts for help.

Being a parent is a busy job.

Rebekah Higgs – who’s known online as DIY Mom – has an 11-year-old daughter and knows parenting is a balancing act.

“I think it’s expected for parents to do a double load now. You’re not only working fulltime, but you’re parenting fulltime,” said Higgs.

With more kids turning to social media and technology, Higgs is doing her best to make sure her daughter gets to experience a childhood like her own.

“I’m painting sets for the school musical. I’m going on class field trips. I’m coaching basketball. I’m also involved with the church,” she said.

For many, parenting can be a stressful role.

“There’s a massive behavioural and economic commitment that comes to parenting now,” said clinical psychologist Simon Sherry.

That stress has put a toll on many, with more moms and dads now turning to psychologists and counsellors.

“The way in which we’re parenting in 2025 is particularly stressful. We have a lot of parental engagement,” said Sherry.

A new poll conducted by Yorkville University and Abacus Data revealed 72 per cent of mental health professionals have seen an increase in clients wanting to discuss the impact of parenting stress on their emotional well-being. Finances were the top stressor.

“We are being told in many different ways as parents that we aren’t enough,” said Krista Schultz, the associate vice president of strategic partnerships and alumni for Yorkville University.

At the beginning of January, the private university conducted an opinion poll among its community of front-line counsellors, psychotherapists, graduate students, practicum partners, alumni and program mentors to assess the current state of mental health care.

For parents experiencing anxiety, there are ways to relieve some pressure.

“Seek support. That could be support from family, that could be support from friends. We’ve long had this notion of ‘it takes a village,’ and there’s truth to that,” said Sherry.

Higgs is thankful to have people in her life she can count on.

“This does give me a little bit of time to get to the gym and take care of myself. To walk the dog and do other things,” said Higgs.

The poll also showed more people have expressed uncertainty around becoming a parent – or even having more children – due to affordability concerns, as well as mental or physical health challenges.

“A critical finding here is that parents are being much more open about their feelings and that’s a good thing,” said Schultz.