COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — If parenting feels more stressful than ever, you’re not alone. A new national survey finds many parents are feeling overwhelmed, with concerns about their children’s mental health leading the list of challenges families face today.
The survey from the Kids Mental Health Foundation, founded by Nationwide Children’s Hospital, found that 97% of parents experienced stress related to parenting in the past month. Nearly one-third said that stress happens often.
For Allison and Gabe Tomlin of Hilliard, the pressure is something they navigate every day while raising their two sons, 11-year-old Milo and 8-year-old Evan.
“I look at how we’re raising our two sons now, especially with social media and all of the social challenges that kids are facing these days with the internet,” Gabe Tomlin said. “It’s a lot harder to be a parent in this age, for sure.”
A national survey finds many parents are feeling overwhelmed, with concerns about their children’s mental health leading the list of challenges families face today. The Tomlin family tell ABC6 On Your Side the pressure is something they navigate every day while raising their two sons. May 18, 2026 (WSYX)
The couple said parenting today comes with constant outside influence — and constant opportunities to second-guess decisions.
“In our parents’ generation, they just made the decision and went with it,” Allison Tomlin said. “Now with social media and the internet, you can make a decision and then see somebody else make the exact opposite decision, and you really question yourself.”
The Tomlins recently faced one of those tough parenting moments when they decided not to allow their children to have motorized scooters.
“The approach that we take is always, ‘This is what’s best for our family at this time,’” Allison said. “We really talk our kids through that.”
She says those conversations are especially important as children compare themselves to friends and classmates.
“The pressures from what other people are allowed to do is a very real thing for our kids,” she said.
Experts say many parents feel like they are learning as they go, especially when it comes to balancing safety, independence and emotional well-being.
A national survey finds many parents are feeling overwhelmed, with concerns about their children’s mental health leading the list of challenges families face today. The Tomlin family tell ABC6 On Your Side the pressure is something they navigate every day while raising their two sons. May 18, 2026 (WSYX)
The Tomlins say teamwork has become one of the most important ways they cope with stress.
“If I’ve had a stressful day, I’ll text Gabe and say, ‘I need you to get dinner on the table and I’m going to go take the dog for a walk,’” Allison said.
They also stress the importance of repairing relationships with children after difficult moments.
“We yell, we have those moments where we’re feeling the stress,” Allison said. “And so taking that opportunity to go back and repair with them and say, ‘I’m sorry,’ is really important.”
For many families, parenting may not feel easier — but parents like the Tomlins say the goal is not perfection.
It’s about learning, adapting and staying connected through the challenges.