Duval Times

The Office of the Surgeon General recently issued a public advisory highlighting alarmingly high levels of parental stress. The advisory, along with an accompanying op-ed by the Surgeon General, proposed solutions that some argue do not adequately address the needs of American families.

Critics, including U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), contend that the Biden-Harris Administration's approach to mitigating parental stress undermines the role of parents by promoting universal public childcare and neglecting family instability's impact on stress levels. Rubio expressed his concerns in a letter to Surgeon General Vivek Murthy.

"I am concerned that the advisory mischaracterizes and ignores the root causes of the obstacles facing today’s parents and promotes ‘solutions’ that could actually worsen parental stress," Rubio wrote. He urged a refocus on efforts providing meaningful and flexible support to families, emphasizing family structure's role in wellbeing.

Rubio's letter criticized federal policies advocating for universal childcare without supporting alternative arrangements preferred by many families. He argued for tackling rising costs of essentials like housing, groceries, energy, and healthcare—issues he attributes to what he calls "the Biden-Harris Administration’s reckless spending agenda." Rubio also called for significant tax relief for working families and reforms to federal childcare programs to increase options and respect parental choices.

Additionally, Rubio highlighted family instability as a major contributor to parental stress, noting research indicating better outcomes for children and parents in two-parent homes. He advocated for policies incentivizing stable family structures and educational strategies informing young people about family formation decisions' long-term impacts.

Rubio emphasized that while addressing parental stress is crucial, it is equally important not to perpetuate a narrative that parenthood lacks value. He cited data showing higher happiness levels among married parents compared to unmarried adults without children.

"As you work to address the alarming levels of stress American parents are experiencing today," Rubio concluded, "I urge you to refocus on efforts that will deliver meaningful and flexible supports to families, illuminate the important role family structure plays in mediating family wellbeing, and offer a complete picture of parenthood to the public."