Parents and Caregivers Are Holding Up Our Society — But Who’s Supporting Them?

In America today, there’s a huge population quietly carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders: parents and caregivers.

You may not see them struggling out loud, but they’re everywhere. They’re your team members, your managers, your clients—and they’re often running on fumes. They’re showing up at work while managing childcare gaps, doctor appointments, eldercare responsibilities, and the emotional weight that comes with it all. It’s an invisible juggling act, and the cost of it is high.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 37 million adults provided unpaid eldercare in just the past year. And an estimated 63 million people are providing some form of care for a loved one—often with no financial support, no leave, and no one checking in to ask how they’re holding up. Add that to the millions of working parents, and we’re talking about a massive part of the American workforce quietly burning out.

Here’s what we don’t talk about enough: this isn’t just a personal struggle—it’s a national issue. When caregivers and parents are overwhelmed, it affects everything:

• Kids absorb that stress. It can impact their development and emotional well-being.

• Workplaces suffer from burnout, absenteeism, turnover, and lost productivity.

• Our economy takes a hit when people step away from the workforce because they don’t have support.

In fact, a survey of 3,000 mothers conducted by Parentaly showed that 36% of new mothers quit their jobs within a year and a half of returning from parental leave—not because they want to stay home, but because they’re drowning without support.

Now let’s zoom out and look globally. In countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Germany, parents are given months—sometimes over a year—of paid leave, subsidized childcare, and workplace norms that respect family life. They understand something we’re still catching up on: well-being at home is directly linked to thriving at work.

SO, WHAT CAN WE DO HERE?

This is where employers have a real opportunity to lead. You don’t have to overhaul the system—you can start with intentional, people-centered decisions that actually change lives:

• Offer flexible hours and remote options when possible.

• Normalize taking family leave and set the tone from leadership.

• Provide access to mental health care and employee support programs.

• Create communities where parents and caregivers feel seen, heard, and valued.

This isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s a strategic advantage. When employees feel supported, they’re more loyal, more engaged, and more productive. Companies that prioritize caregiver and parent wellness attract top talent, reduce costly turnover, and build cultures that people want to be a part of.

The truth is, everybody wins when we support working families.

We have a moment right now—especially post-pandemic—to rethink how we value the people keeping families and communities going. Let’s not waste it.

Let’s build workplaces that don’t just expect people to “push through,” but actually give them the tools and support to thrive.

It’s good for families. It’s good for business. And it’s good for the future we’re all creating together.

Anisha Pandya Patel, Founder of MasalaMommy

Anisha is pregnancy and postpartum coach, corporate well-being consultant, author of Expecting: A Pregnancy Journal, and founder of MasalaMommy. She helps ambitious women navigate early motherhood with confidence, care, and connection—blending holistic wisdom with real-life experience. Through coaching, content, and consulting, she supports both individuals and organizations in creating healthier transitions for working parents. When she’s not working, she’s raising three boys and embracing the beautiful, messy balance of parenting and purpose.

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