Dads & moms differ in the way they cope with pandemic-caused stress

Lehi-based essential oil company Young Living has released the results of a study that shows there are big differences between men and women when it comes to parents dealing with the stress of COVID-19.

While 25 percent of men say they’ve actually experience less stress, 38 percent of women say they’re experiencing a lot more. Coping mechanisms also vary drastically among the sexes, with 52 percent of women preferring to spend time outdoors compared to 32 percent of men, and 33 percent of men turning to drinking compared to 22 percent of women.

This stress isn’t only making a lasting impact on the adults. More than half of parents (56 percent) parents say that stress for their children is growing every day since the beginning of the pandemic. The study has uncovered a clash between moms and dads when it comes to parenting styles, from bedtime routines to homeschooling, as everyone looks to bring some normalcy back to the home.

The study also reveals that men are more likely (92 percent) to say this time has changed their relationship with their children than women (81 percent). Dads are also the ones tipping the scales when it comes to homeschooling, with 68 percent saying they’d consider it now compared to just 43 percent among moms.

“Uncovering the stark differences in how everyone is dealing with stress from the current crisis is telling on how our home environments are changing,” said Shante Schroeder, vice president of brand marketing at Young Living. “Knowing just how difficult the pandemic has been for parents — and the exact areas in which they’re most struggling — can help communities focus on areas of highest need. It can also help all of us be more empathetic with each other.”

The news isn’t all bad, however. In fact, 60 percent of parents say that they’ve grown closer with their children by spending more time together.