Pandemic-stressed parents are invited to "mom scream", which invites them to let their hair down

Jessica Kline, the editor of Macaroni KID Clifton–Montclair organized the mom screaming event in her locality. This was an opportunity for parents and children to vent.

Many parents feel exhausted after two years of a Pandemic. Parents have been drained by the stress of school disruptions, childcare and new variants. Nearly half of parents feel exhausted or frustrated according to a new CBS News poll.

Kline shared with Meg Oliver that she has felt isolated and overwhelmed over the past two years. Kline had three children aged under six when the pandemic began. She said that her house felt small and felt like it was falling on her. "And I felt like there wasn't anywhere to go.

I had a six month-old baby on my hip, a four year-old and a six year-old. There was no school for them. It was impossible to keep them entertained, change diapers, and nurse them throughout the day.

Nearly 40% of mothers who responded to the Kuli Kuli survey said they feel ill. Many working moms also reported that it is difficult to balance work and family life. Half of the respondents had to quit or change jobs during the pandemic.

The women who gathered in Verona Park in Verona, N.J. to celebrate this day were filled with emotions.

One mother stated, "I feel really guilt, and I don’t know what to do a lot of times."

Another person said that she worked and had a daughter. She was the reason I didn't have time to spend with her.

One woman stated, "I am grateful to this opportunity, however, even though it is a very rare opportunity, it does not take away from the loneliness it can cause."

Another laughed, "Damn, it feels like I work so hard and I'm not getting anywhere,"

It was finally time to let it go.

"Three and two, one...

"ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! "
Oliver joined the fray for round two:

Oliver wanted to know how Kline felt after her first scream.

It was a relief to feel away from my children for a while. She laughed. She said, "I love them very much, and, you'll know, that is what I want for them to know." It is nice to be able just to be in a moms' group.

Lisa Damour, a CBS News contributor and psychologist, stated that screaming events can be a healthy method to express and let go of emotion.

"It's safe. It provides relief. These parents are not alone, even though they feel very exhausted and overwhelmed," she stated.

February is a difficult time in family life. It's the beginning of the school year. This is a difficult time of the year under normal conditions. This is combined with two years of a pandemic makes it extraordinarily difficult.

Damour stated that every parent experiences frustration and exhaustion at some point, but there's a lot to be ashamed about.

She said that it was important to discuss the ugly sides of parenthood to help parents feel less alone.

Kline hopes that this will be the start of more mom gatherings in her area. Kline said that she hoped moms would leave with some self-care and positive memories to carry with them in the midst of all this chaos.