Parenting and health: A family doctor answers your questions

November 17, 2025 | 6 min read

Becoming a parent transforms life overnight, and the process of adapting continues as the child grows. For working parents, balancing family and professional responsibilities can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation. Nearly half of parents (48%) say most days their stress is completely overwhelming, according to Maven Clinic, a virtual service specializing in women’s and family health.

“Supporting parents in the workplace is not only the right thing to do, it's also an investment,” says Jennifer Foubert, assistant vice president and head of product and growth for Group Benefits at Manulife Canada.

Dr. Emilie-Marie Sagripanti, a family medicine physician at Maven Clinic answers the most frequently asked questions from parents seeking support.

The stress that comes from balancing work, my kids, and aging parents is relentless. I feel like I'm pulled in all different directions, all the time. What kind of support can help me build better coping strategies?

It’s very common to feel this way. Many parents today are part of a generation that is caring for both children and aging parents, which often means their own needs come last. The first step is to recognize that you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Coping strategies can start with carving out small amounts of time for self-care—whether it’s a short walk, an exercise class, or simply a moment of rest. Support can come from many sources. Family and friends can provide practical help, while your healthcare team is there to support your well-being.

A family physician can screen for stress, anxiety, or burnout and connect you with counselling or community resources. Allied health professionals—such as massage therapists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, or osteopaths—can help address physical strain. Community elder care programs and asking family members for specific support can also make a meaningful difference.

My kid is showing signs of depression and anxiety. How can I support their mental health?

The most important step is to open the conversation in a safe, non-judgmental way. Let your child know that you’ve noticed changes, and that you’re there to listen and support them. Kids often need reassurance that their feelings are valid and that they’re not alone. Keep routines consistent, encourage physical activity good sleep habits and reduce excessive screen time, which can sometimes worsen mood.

If you’re concerned, reach out to your family physician—early assessment and support are key. Depending on your child’s needs, we may recommend counselling or a referral to a child psychiatrist.

Children and youth also have access to 24/7 supports such as Kids Help Phone. If your child ever expresses suicidal thoughts, seek emergency care immediately or call 988, Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline.

What resources are available for counselling or parenting support, and do I need a referral?

In Canada, there are several options. Many community organizations and schools offer free or low-cost counselling programs for children and families. Some employers also provide Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAPs) with short-term counselling options.

Parents can access private psychologists or counsellors directly without a referral, though coverage depends on insurance benefits. In the public system, a referral from your family doctor is often needed to access hospital-based child psychiatry or publicly funded therapy programs. Online services and provincial health lines (such as Kids Help Phone) are also excellent starting points.

What are the most important health checks or screenings to do as a busy parent who doesn’t have much time for appointments, for myself and my kid?

For adults, focus on the basics: regular blood pressure checks, bloodwork for cholesterol and diabetes screening (especially if you have a strong family history or risk factors), and cancer screening tests (such as Pap tests, Mammograms, or Colon cancer screening depending on age and family history).

Mental health check-ins are equally as important as physical ones. For children, keep up with routine vaccinations and annual growth and development checkups, which also screen for mental health, sleep, and nutrition concerns. Even if you’re short on time, scheduling one preventive appointment a year can help keep you and your child on track and catch issues early.

This story was originally published in La Presse on November 2, 2025.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat a condition. If you have questions or concerns about your specific situation or are seeking medical advice, contact your medical doctor or your health-care provider.

A note about gender:
While we use the term “women,” “female,” and “men” and “male” in this article, we recognize that these terms are not inclusive of all gender identities and that the health issues addressed here may be relevant to individuals across the gender spectrum

Maven Clinic:
Maven is the world’s largest virtual clinic for women and families on a mission to make healthcare work for all of us. Maven’s award-winning digital programs provide clinical, emotional, and financial support all in one platform, spanning fertility & family building, maternity & newborn care, parenting & pediatrics, and menopause & midlife. More than 2,000 employers and health plans trust Maven's end-to-end platform to improve clinical outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and provide equity in benefits programs.