MILWAUKEE − This World Mental Health Day (October 10th), advocates from the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program are emphasizing the mental health of Wisconsin’s parents and caregivers as part of the critical role they play in boosting kids’ positive mental health and well-being.

Brad Thomas, Triple P President and CEO, said families are facing unprecedented pressures around cost of living, child care, and more, which are impacting their wellbeing, relationships, and general enjoyment of life.

“The U.S. Surgeon General recently declared parental stress as an ‘urgent public health emergency.’ Checking in on your mental health as a parent and identifying small changes that can benefit your health and well-being can also support your child’s long-term success,” said Thomas. “Building healthy habits by identifying small changes that can benefit those areas is a great way to not only check-in on your mental health and well-being but also see how those same small, yet impactful changes to your parenting can support your child’s long-term success.”

One of Triple P's principles – taking care of yourself as a parent – is key to unlocking these benefits.

“Increased stress, worry, and ongoing feelings of guilt can lead to heightened mental health concerns. But by prioritizing self-care and opening up to ask for support, whether it’s talking to a trusted friend, doctor, health professional, or getting parenting support, parents and additional caregivers can mitigate any negative or long-term impacts,” Thomas noted. “When parents take care of their well-being it can have a positive impact on the overall health and well-being of their kids.”

“But for many parents and caregivers, fitting self-care into their life is an ongoing challenge,” added Lisa Hall, Director of the Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health.

Hall noted that as a parent or caregiver, it's common to put your own needs last and see self-care as an optional extra – something that takes precious time away from the responsibilities of parenting, or as simply so low on the long list of priorities that it slips off.

"When parents feel calmer and more centered, they can respond more positively to all those challenging moments. Kids learn a lot by watching their parents, so it has a positive ripple effect on everyone," said Hall.

Self-care doesn’t have to be a huge investment in time, energy, and resources. There are easy ways to work it back into your life, including:

• Tapping into your physical self: You don't have to eat perfectly or exercise daily to keep your body healthy. You can make small changes that feel good for you and fit into your schedule, like a gentle morning stretch, or taking a walk.
• Nurturing your emotional and mental needs: Doing small things like enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, talking to a friend, learning something new, and sleeping and eating well can all help your mental health outlook. In addition, it's important to try to be kind to yourself, especially when you make mistakes. This is a vital aspect of self-care that is often overlooked, particularly by parents and caregivers, who can be overly critical of their parenting skills.
• Embrace your social side: You don't have to be a social butterfly to look after yourself socially but spending small chunks of time with people who boost your confidence and help you feel good is a great way to ‘fill your cup.’ It could be dinner with a friend, visiting a neighbor, or attending an event.

According to Triple P, even the smallest act can add up to form a new, helpful pattern, which can have a lasting, positive impact on the entire family.

“World Mental Health Day is an excellent reminder to parents and caregivers to prioritize their own mental well-being to not only improve their own lives but also set a great example for their kids. When it comes to feeling confident and parenting in a more calm and consistent way, self-care isn't selfish – it's essential,” said Hall. “Parents and caregivers who've done Triple P report feeling calmer and more confident. It's great to see how the evidence-based support is helping families across Wisconsin to thrive.”