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Parent Stress Line

Parenting Can Be Hard. You Don't Have to Do It Alone.

Free • Confidential • Anonymous

When parenting feels overwhelming, the Parent Stress Line is here to listen. Available nationwide • 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Call 1-800-632-8188 to speak with a trained Parent Stress Line counselor who understands how challenging parenting can be. Whether you're feeling stressed, frustrated, isolated, worried, or simply need someone to talk to, you don't have to face it alone.

CALL NOW

About the Parent Stress Line

The Parent Stress Line is a free, confidential, and anonymous support line for parents, caregivers, grandparents, foster parents, kinship caregivers, and anyone in a parenting role. Parents and caregivers from anywhere in the United States are welcome to call.

Operated by Parents Helping Parents since 1979, the Parent Stress Line provides immediate emotional support, encouragement, information, and referrals when needed. Every call is answered by a trained counselor who offers a non-judgmental listening ear and compassionate support.

Many parents call because they are feeling overwhelmed and don't know where else to turn. Others call because they need help navigating a specific challenge. Sometimes people call simply because they need someone to listen.

No problem is too big or too small.

What to Expect
When You Call

1. A trained Parent Stress Line Counselor answers

You'll be connected with a trained counselor who is there to listen without judgment.

2. You share what is on your mind

You can talk about whatever is causing stress or concern. Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable discussing.

3. We listen and support

Our counselors provide emotional support, encouragement, and a safe space to talk through difficult situations.

4. We help you explore options

If appropriate, counselors may share parenting resources, information, or referrals to community services.

5. You decide what comes next

There is no obligation, commitment, or follow-up requirement. The conversation is yours.

Common Reasons Parents Call:

Parents contact the Parent Stress Line for many reasons, including:

  • Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or exhausted

  • Parenting challenges and family conflict

  • Concerns about a child's behavior

  • Anxiety, sadness, or feelings of isolation

  • Relationship, co-parenting, or high-conflict divorce challenges

  • Parenting a child with special needs

  • Being a foster parent or parenting a child in foster care

  • Child welfare or DCF involvement

  • Parenting adult children

  • Financial or housing stress affecting the family

  • Challenges related to substance use or recovery

  • Concerns about staying calm during difficult parenting moments

  • Simply needing someone to listen

Whatever your situation, you deserve support.

About Our Parent Stress Line Counselors

Every Parent Stress Line call is answered by a trained Parent Stress Line Counselor.

Our counselors receive specialized training in active listening, peer support, trauma-informed practices, and connecting parents with appropriate resources. They come from diverse backgrounds and are united by a commitment to providing compassionate, respectful support.

The Parent Stress Line is built on the belief that parents benefit from having someone who will listen, understand, and support them without judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. The Parent Stress Line is completely free to use.

  • No. The Parent Stress Line is available to parents and caregivers throughout the United States. While Parents Helping Parents is based in Massachusetts, anyone in a parenting role can call for free, confidential, and anonymous support.

  • The Parent Stress Line is a toll-free, confidential helpline for parents and caregivers who need to discuss issues related to parenting. That includes but is not limited to moms, dads, childcare providers, grandparents, neighbors, concerned older siblings, foster parents, and babysitters.

  • Yes. Calls are confidential and anonymous.

  • No. You may remain anonymous.

  • The Parent Stress Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • Yes, however, you will need to provide your telephone number so a translator can join the call.

  • That's exactly why we're here. You do not need to be in crisis to call.

  • Absolutely. Many parents call whenever they need support.

  • Yes. When appropriate, counselors can help connect callers with resources and services in their community.

  • If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services. The Parent Stress Line provides emotional support and referrals but is not a substitute for emergency services.

You Don't Have to Carry It Alone

Parenting can be challenging, but support is only a phone call away.

Call the Parent Stress Line 24/7
1-800-632-8188
Free • Confidential • Anonymous

CALL THE PARENT STRESS LINE