80% of Parents Feel Like This. Let’s Talk About Why.
2/19/202624 min
If you’ve ever sat down for the first time all day and guilt showed up before rest did, this episode is for you.
In this conversation, Dr. Becky unpacks new findings from Care.com’s 2026 Cost of Care Report — and translates what the numbers really mean for your nervous system, your sleep, and your sense of self.
Because the data reveals something powerful:Parents aren’t just tired. Many feel like they’ve disappeared.
If parenting has started to feel like it takes up everything, this episode will help you understand why.
And i...
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsBecky Kennedy· Host0:00
Caregiving is one of the biggest sources of stress for parents today. The data shows that most parents spend nearly every waking hour focused on someone else. And if you feel depleted, that's not failure, that's the reality of how much you're carrying. Another thing the data tells us is this: almost three-quarters of parents say having a stronger network of trusted caregivers would improve their mental and emotional health, and I see that play out all the time. When parents have real support, the mental load lightens a bit and they become more present, calmer, and more regulated. Care.com makes it easier to find that kind of support with background-checked caregivers, reviews, and filters for the exact skills you're looking for, whether it's infant care, before or after-school help, camps, day cares, or senior care. And right now, Care.com is offering something they've never offered before. For a limited time, use the code GOOD35 to get 35% off a premium membership, plus a free subscription to Headspace. Because when you have support, you can show up as your best self for the people you care for and for yourself. If you've ever sat down for the first time all day and your body couldn't even enjoy it because guilt showed up, this is for you. See, right now, I'm sitting down in my unrealistic kitchen studio. You know why it's unrealistic? Because I know viscerally what it's like to do something so bold, like sit down in your kitchen to have a sip of coffee.