The Realities of Parenthood: The Social, Emotional and Economic Impact of Becoming a Parent
Learning for Life and Work- May 12
- 2 min read
Becoming a parent is one of the most life-changing experiences a person can go through. While it can bring joy and purpose, it also brings with it a host of social, emotional and financial challenges.
Emotional Impact
From the moment a baby is born, a parent can feel overwhelming love and protectiveness, but also fear, exhaustion, and anxiety. The pressure to “get everything right” can lead to fear of failure, and many experience stress or post-natal depression as they try to adjust to their new responsibilities.
In some cases, mothers may face the challenges of parenthood alone. When a father is not involved, the full weight of responsibility can fall on the mother. This situation adds emotional stress and can make the mother feel overwhelmed.
Social Impact
Parents often find themselves drifting apart from friends who are at a different stage in life, enjoying the freedom of late nights, travel, and social events. This loss of social interaction can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation and can impact emotional wellbeing.
Economic Impact
Raising a child is expensive—nappies, clothes, childcare, food, and healthcare all add up quickly. Parents may find is difficult to continue to pay for all the necessary things, particularly if they are on maternity/paternity pay. As a result, many rely on support from family, friends, or government benefits. While this support is crucial, it can come with feelings of guilt, frustration, or inadequacy.
Career and educational prospects can also take a hit. Juggling study, work and childcare is incredibly demanding, and in some cases, parents have to give up their dreams to meet the needs of their child. This can lead to regrets later in life or a feeling of unfulfilled potential.
QUESTIONS YOU COULD BE ASKED ON THIS
Explain one economic impact of becoming a parent. (2marks)
Buying things for a baby, like a cot, pram and clothes, can cost a lot of money. This means parents might not have enough money and may need help from family or friends.
Discuss the social, emotional and economic impacts of becoming a parent. (6marks)
Becoming a parent affects people socially, emotionally and economically. Socially, parents may lose friends, which can lower their self-esteem. Some may also raise the baby alone, which is stressful. (2marks)
Emotionally, parenting can cause stress, tiredness, and post-natal depression, especially if the person feels isolated and there is little support. (2marks)
Economically, baby items like prams and nappies are expensive. Parents may have less money, especially if on maternity/paternity leave, and may need help from family or benefits. (2marks)
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