Nearly 61 per cent of parents express feeling stressed and anxious due to concerns about their children, with 39 per cent experiencing sleepless nights as a result, according to the latest research from MetLife UK.
The study explores parenting experiences, including difficulties, achievements, and the financial safeguards parents put in place.
The study found that 32 per cent admit to feeling mentally and physically exhausted, and 20 per cent report that their worries lead to depression, with an additional 18 per cent confirming that it can cause household arguments.
Among the top anxieties, 89 per cent of parents are worried about the mental health of their children. This worry is closely followed by worries about not being able to get timely medical care, which affects 87 per cent of parents.
Another top priority for parents is their children’s general health, especially as they get older. Around 30 per cent of parents worry that their kids won’t confide in them about health issues, and twenty-five per cent worry that their kids won’t take care of their health and wellbeing as they get older.
Around 9 per cent of parents say they do not or would not ask for help, despite the major negative effects worrying has on them.
The study’s findings show that parents’ top go-to people for support are their spouses in 45 per cent of cases, their own parents in 34 per cent of cases, and friends in 27 per cent of cases. 12 per cent consult medical professionals like doctors, while 11 per cent and 7 per cent, respectively, come from siblings and other family members. Around 9 per cent of parents prefer self-reliance, and 7 per cent turn to online support forums. A smaller percentage involves their children and the parents of their child’s friends at 6 per cent.
ChildShield, a new service offered by MetLife UK, offers families financial assistance in the event that their child suffers an accident or a life-threatening disease. ChildShield, which costs only £6 a month, lessens the burden on parents by providing coverage for things like taking time out of work to care for their child.
All family members, including stepchildren and those who live apart, are covered under this policy up to the age of 23 and are eligible for an unlimited number of claims. In addition, policyholders get access to the virtual doctor service GP24, which gives them 24/7 access to UK-based remote doctors for unrestricted consultations and medical assistance.
The new product, which is currently available through selected distributors, will be widely available by the end of the year.
MetLife UK head of individual protection Rich Horner says: “It’s only natural that as a parent we worry about our children – from health issues to potential accidents, to how they’re getting on at school and university. But worrying can have lasting effects on families, so where we can, we must support parents to help relieve some of the stress they’re facing.
“That’s why I’m delighted we have launched ChildShield, particularly at a time when many households are struggling financially. The reality is that despite our best efforts, accidents and illnesses do happen. And when children suffer something serious, we want parents to focus on being there in the moment your child needs you – not worrying about the financial impact.”
“Beyond that, we wanted to offer greater support to help alleviate some of the stress that comes with being a parent – which is why ChildShield includes a Wellbeing Support Centre Hub and a virtual GP service (GP24) to offer support 365 days a year, 24/7. Parents shouldn’t have to worry that they can’t get a GP appointment or prescription when it’s needed, so we wanted to address real concerns through a simple, affordable and practical product. ChildShield provides the peace of mind, not just for the big moments, but the everyday ones too.”
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