Objective The objective of this study was to document the direct impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents and families in the United States. Methods Parents’ experiences during the pandemic were examined using an online survey (N = 564) collected during May and June 2020. Results Parents reported experiencing a high frequency of COVID-19-related events (e.g., job loss and health concerns) and impact on their lives. Parents’ experiences with COVID-19, as well as self-reported perceived increase in home labor, experiences with assisting children with remote schooling, and work-life conflict were all significantly associated with higher levels of parental role overload. COVID-19-related events and impact, as well as parental role overload, significantly predicted parents’ anxiety and depression, even after controlling for demographic factors. Conclusions The findings suggest the importance of providing support for parents and families through direct services and public policy changes.

In an online survey, women self-reported high prevalence of intimate partner violence during the early days of the pandemic. Risk factors for experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) included having a child under the age of 18, being a sexual minority, living in a rural community, and stressors related to healthcare access, income/employment stress, and COVID-19 exposure or illness. Women who worked during the pandemic and were older were less likely to experience IPV. Women who reported IPV also reported increased anxiety and depression. The results are discussed in terms of clinical and policy implications for supporting women who are victims of IPV.