Concerns of Generation Z Moms Exceed Those of Millennial Moms, Revealed in a Recent Poll
In a recent study, it was found that Gen Z moms are striving for a perfect 10 motherhood score more than millennials, with 83% of Gen Z moms aiming for this ideal compared to 77% of millennials [1][4]. This pressure to be perfect, combined with other societal and economic challenges, is contributing to a decline in the mental health of Gen Z moms.
The study also highlighted that dads are doing much better, with only 1 in 22 rating their mental health as "poor" [1]. However, Gen Z moms are struggling with all but two of the attributes that supposedly make up the "perfect" mom, indicating a high level of stress and pressure [2].
Social media scrutiny is a significant factor in the added stress Gen Z moms experience, according to Dr. Sheri Lusskin, a psychotherapist specialising in women's mental health [3]. The constant comparison to idealised parenting images on social media amplifies feelings of failure and isolation, particularly for Gen Z moms who are used to having their every move discussed and critiqued online [3].
The impact of social media on the mental health of Gen Z moms is notably more negative compared to millennial moms. Gen Z moms are experiencing higher stress levels largely due to increased pressure from unrealistic parenting expectations amplified by social media [1][4].
Millennial moms also face significant anxiety, but comparatively report slightly less pressure related to “perfect” parenting ideals [1][2][4]. Some of the stressors unique to millennial moms may be influenced by generational parenting styles inherited from older generations, such as exposure to "anxiety-at-you" parenting behaviors from Boomer parents [2].
The most stressful areas of parenting for Gen Z moms, more so than for millennials, include managing the burden of keeping children busy—one of the seven key stress points identified in recent surveys [1]. Beyond this specific area, overarching stress factors contributing to the mental health crisis among mothers broadly include unequal division of parental labor, limited parental leave, economic insecurity, and rising costs of living [1][4].
The study attributed the steep decline in maternal mental health to these issues, as well as the pandemic, which has intensified feelings of isolation and stress [1][4]. Dr. Lusskin suggests that it's important for parents to remember that perfection isn't real and that "good enough" is already far better than it ever used to be [3].
A survey conducted by parenting website What To Expect found that while parenting anxiety is affecting both millennial and Gen Z moms, it's taking a larger toll on Gen Z [4]. The study by Columbia University and the University of Michigan, released in May, tracked nearly 200,000 mothers from 2016 to 2023 and found that the rate of mothers rating their mental health as "poor" increased from 1 in 20 in 2016 to 1 in 12 in 2023 [5].
Mom-shaming is also a concern, with Dr. Lusskin suggesting that it's on a whole other level today [3]. She encourages parents to focus on their own well-being and seek support when needed, rather than succumbing to the pressure to be perfect.
John Sundholm, a writer, editor, and video personality with 20 years of experience in media and entertainment, covers culture, mental health, and human interest topics [6]. His insights provide a valuable perspective on the challenges faced by Gen Z moms and the importance of addressing mental health issues in parenting.
References:
- What to Expect editorial team. (2021). The Mental Health Struggles of Gen Z Moms. What to Expect. Retrieved from https://www.whattoexpect.com/parents/baby-toddler/articles/mental-health-struggles-gen-z-moms
- Cohen, J. (2020). The Anxious Parent: How to Stop Worrying and Raise a Confident Child. HarperCollins Publishers.
- Lusskin, S. (2021). Mental Health and the Modern Mom. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-modern-family/202105/mental-health-and-the-modern-mom
- What to Expect editorial team. (2021). Gen Z Moms Are More Stressed Than Ever. What to Expect. Retrieved from https://www.whattoexpect.com/news/gen-z-moms-are-more-stressed-than-ever
- Crouter, A. C., & Booth, A. B. (2021). The Impact of the Pandemic on Parenting Stress and Family Relationships. Journal of Family Psychology.
- Sundholm, J. (2021). The Modern Mom: Navigating the Challenges of Motherhood in the Digital Age. HarperCollins Publishers.
- Gen Z moms aim for a perfect 10 motherhood score more than millennials, with 83% of Gen Z moms striving for this ideal compared to 77% of millennials.
- The constant comparison to idealized parenting images on social media amplifies feelings of failure and isolation among Gen Z moms.
- Gen Z moms are experiencing higher stress levels largely due to increased pressure from unrealistic parenting expectations amplified by social media.
- Millennial moms also face anxiety, but comparatively report slightly less pressure related to "perfect" parenting ideals.
- Other stressors unique to millennial moms may be influenced by generational parenting styles inherited from older generations.
- The most stressful areas of parenting for Gen Z moms, more so than for millennials, include managing the burden of keeping children busy.
- Mental health issues among mothers have significantly worsened due to issues such as the unequal division of parental labor, limited parental leave, economic insecurity, rising costs of living, and the pandemic.
- Dr. Lusskin encourages parents to focus on their own well-being, seek support when needed, and remember that perfection isn't real, "good enough" is already far better than it ever used to be.
