Reducing the Stress of Parenting with Dr Vivek Murthy
Hello Happiness Lab listeners,
Happy Mental Health Awareness Month! Welcome to our new podcast series on Happier Parenting. In the next few episodes, we’ll be exploring strategies that parents— and the rest of us— can use to thrive and feel happier.
And our first episode will explore the following question: What if parenting stress isn’t just a personal problem—but a public health one?
This week on The Happiness Lab podcast, I spoke with former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy about the mental health crisis facing parents. His research uncovered something startling: nearly half of parents say their stress is overwhelming most days. But unlike other public health issues, we don’t tend to talk about this one. We normalize the exhaustion. We swallow the guilt. We suffer in silence.
But here’s the good news: We can change this.
In the latest episode of The Happiness Lab, “Reducing the Stress of Parenting with Dr Vivek Murthy,” Dr. Murthy and I explore what’s really behind modern parenting stress—and how to fix it. From reconnecting with fellow parents to reshaping our expectations, the episode offers both a reality check and a hopeful path forward.
Introducing The Science of Well-Being for Parents!
This season of The Happiness Lab is all about the science of parenting—and it pairs perfectly with my brand new (and completely free!) online course, The Science of Well-Being for Parents, which officially launches today! In the course, we dig into the biggest challenges parents face today—from constant time pressure to screen time struggles—and explore science-backed strategies to help you feel less stressed, more connected, and more confident in your role. You can learn more at drlauriesantos.com/parents.
5 Strategies for Happier Parenting from Dr. Vivek Murthy
1. Acknowledge Your Parenting Struggles. That picture-perfect parent on Instagram? They're facing challenges too. When nearly half of parents report chronic overwhelm, it’s not a personal failure—it’s a systemic issue. Simply acknowledging this shared experience can be surprisingly liberating and can be the first step for reducing shame around your struggles.
2. Start Conversations with Other Parents. Initiate discussions with other parents about the real-life challenges of parenting. Try simple conversation starters like, "How's everyone handling screen time limits?" You can even start a parent group chat to troubleshoot everything from what everyone’s wearing for Spirit Day to asking for help with after school pick-up if you’re running late. As Dr. Murthy discovered, these discussions often create immediate bonds as parents realize they're navigating similar terrain.
3. Do Small Things to Support Other Parents. Offer to keep an eye on a neighbor’s kid on the playground for 10 minutes if they need to make a quick phone call. Pick up an extra pack of snacks or wipes or text a friend to ask if they need one. These tiny gestures not only help others but connect you to a supportive network that benefits everyone.
4. Gather Around Food. Simple meals together can rebuild community connections. Try a “childhood favorites” potluck where everyone brings a dish they loved growing up. The conversations that flow from shared food create exactly the kind of support network that helps parents thrive.
5. Embrace “Good Enough” Hosting. Dr. Murthy and his wife used to worry their home was too chaotic for guests because of toys on the floor and dishes in the sink—until he realized that welcoming others into your real life makes them feel relieved and more comfortable. Connection doesn’t require a clean house, just an open door.
Parenting wasn’t meant to be a solo sport—and it doesn’t have to be. This episode is a call to support each other, speak up about what we need, and rebuild the kind of community where parents and kids can thrive.
Take action: This week, reach out to one other parent—not to plan an activity, but to start a conversation about parenting. Ask what’s hard for them right now, and share what’s hard for you.
Want more practical strategies like these? Enroll in The Science of Well-Being for Parents—it’s free, flexible, and packed with evidence-based tools for managing stress, guilt, and everything in between.
P.S. Know another parent who could use some happiness strategies? Please share this newsletter with them! The parenting journey is better when we support each other through helping our community.
Looking for more?
You can find all our companion guides from this season of The Happiness Lab on DrLaurieSantos.com/Newsletter.
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