The Importance of Parental Well-Being in Raising Resilient Children

In a rapidly changing world, the well-being of parents is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in the upbringing of children. Recent studies reveal alarming trends in the mental health of young Filipinos, highlighting the urgent need for parental self-care. According to a 2022 study commissioned by UNICEF and conducted by the Research Institute for Mindanao Culture, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, and the Burnet Institute in Australia, mental disorders ranked as the third leading cause of poor health among Filipino children aged five to 14, with anxiety and conduct disorders being particularly prevalent. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines anxiety disorder as a condition that can severely disrupt a child's daily life, manifesting in intense and excessive fear, physical tension, and behavioral symptoms. Conduct disorder, characterized by antisocial behavior and disregard for societal norms, also poses significant challenges for affected children (Johns Hopkins Medicine).

Between 2013 and 2021, the prevalence of depressive symptoms among Filipino youth aged 15 to 24 surged, with those experiencing feelings of loneliness increasing from 7% to 12%, and restlessness from 9% to 14%, according to the 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study by the University of the Philippines Population Institute, supported by the Department of Health. The WHO's 2024 Global School-based Student Health Survey reported that 27% of Filipino students aged 13 to 17 had attempted suicide in the preceding year, while 21% had seriously contemplated it, underscoring the severity of the mental health crisis among young people.

Psychologist Raphael Inocencio, who works with families at Better Steps Psychology, notes that many young adults report feelings of isolation and loneliness, exacerbated by social media pressures and bullying. The Global School-based Student Health Survey indicates that 30% of students were bullied at school in the previous year, with 22% experiencing cyberbullying. Rizason Go Tian Ng of the Ateneo Bulatao Center highlights the growing addiction to online gaming among young Filipinos, which serves as an escape but hampers real-life social interactions.

Parental involvement is crucial to mitigating these challenges. The Global School-based Student Health Survey revealed that 54% of students felt their parents rarely understood their problems, while 49% believed their guardians were unaware of their activities. UNICEF emphasizes that nurturing, responsive care from parents is vital for children's mental health and well-being, contributing to healthy attachments that foster social and emotional skills.

Dr. Sarah Johnson, a Professor of Psychology at Harvard University, indicates that parental mental health directly influences their ability to provide responsive care. Inocencio asserts that children are acutely aware of their parents' emotional states, stressing the need for parents to prioritize their well-being. Go Tian Ng illustrates this point with the adage, 'You cannot give from an empty vessel,' warning that parental burnout can lead to resentment, negatively affecting parent-child interactions.

Self-care is often misconstrued as selfishness. Kathy Nothstine from the Challenge Works program in the UK insists that parents must recognize their multifaceted roles and attend to their needs to foster a balanced family environment. Acknowledging the mental and emotional demands of parenthood, she encourages parents to engage in self-care practices that enhance their well-being. Inocencio echoes this sentiment, stressing that presence and engagement are paramount in parenting.

In light of these findings, initiatives such as the Good Start Challenge, which aims to support innovations for parental well-being in underserved communities, have emerged. This initiative, backed by Challenge Works, seeks to address the mental health pressures faced by parents in various countries, including the Philippines, where communities grapple with the compounded effects of natural disasters and economic instability.

As the world grapples with escalating mental health concerns among youth, it becomes increasingly evident that fostering a supportive environment for parents is essential. By prioritizing their well-being, parents can cultivate resilience in their children and contribute to healthier, more equitable societies for future generations.