More than two thirds of Australian parents feel there is more parental judgement today than ever before, and it’s causing mental health issues, anxiety and stress, according to a new study.
Parents of newborns experience it the worst.
The survey, commissioned by Huggies, found 45% of parents felt directly shamed for their parenting approach, while 50% saying it happens at least once a month.
The survey results are highlighted in a new film which aims to show the real impact of parent shaming.
It’s part of a new campaign, ‘Be Comfortable in Your Skin’ campaign and a new film which highlights the real impact parent-shaming, such as remarks, comments and criticisms has on parents.
“Parent-shaming is a having a concerning impact on parents with many suffering from mental health issues as a result,” psychologist Sabina Read said.
“We see that mums are typically quicker to criticise themselves and take comments to heart, often devastating their confidence as a parent. Sadly, this can even have a knock-on effect on children who feel their parents’ anxieties.
“With many people being unaware of how their remarks are perceived, we need to be more conscious of how we treat parents when they’re most vulnerable.
“Taking a stand on the issue is the first step to champion all parents.”
According to the research, almost 80% parents believe that online forums provide a platform for easy parent-shaming.
“As a mum in the public eye, I am exposed to the realities of parent-shaming, being judged online for the way I parent my girls,” Snezana Wood, Huggies ambassador and mum of two, said.
“In an amazing, yet vulnerable stage of life, parent-shaming can so easily make you question your own parenting skills and create doubt within the choices you make for your kids.”
Huggies® surveyed 1,035 parents living at home with children aged 0-12 in Australia in January 2020.
