Being a parent is one of the hardest jobs in the world; if being a mum or dad came with a job description, worrying would be right up there as a key activity.
In fact, this year alone, a parent will spend 1,212 hours worrying about their kids. That's 50 full days.
And, according to research conducted by Tesco Baby Club, mums are anxious for an additional 72 hours more than dads.
Not surprisingly, topping the list of worries for parents is the thought of their child falling ill (31 percent); other anxieties include the cost of raising a baby and the concern of having a messy house.
The top 10 worries for parents revealed:
- My child getting an illness
- Teaching my child the right things
- My baby/child's health and safety
- Being exhausted
- The cost of raising a baby
- Going back to work, e.g. cost of baby and career progression
- House being a mess
- My marriage/relationship
- Overload of information with conflicting opinions
- Getting my baby into the bedtime routine
But it seems we all know that worrying is futile; nearly two in three wish they could go back in time to tell their pregnant-self or partner to stop worrying as their concerns were unfounded.
“Being a mum of three boys, I know that it’s easy to find yourself exhausted and overwhelmed with everything you need to consider as a parent," child health and parenting expert, Dr. Carol Cooper said.
"From my own experience as a mum, if I could turn back the clocks and give my pregnant-self some advice, it would be to fret less, enjoy it more, and remember that motherhood isn’t a competition. Armed with the info you need, use your instincts to do what feels right for you and your baby.”
One in five parents (18 percent) feel January is the hardest month of the year with wallets stretched following Christmas, meaning financial pressure is overlaid on every other concern.
To help, Tesco will host a Baby Event in hundreds of stores across the country over two weeks from 16th January. The event will include great deals on baby essentials, from nappies and wipes, to toys and clothing.
