Overwhelmed as a Parent? Practical Tips to Lighten the Load
Waking up feeling overwhelmed by the day ahead, unsure how to handle the challenges coming your way…
Dragging yourself out of bed after too little sleep, exhausted before the day even begins…
Regretting past mistakes, poor decisions, and lost tempers…
Feeling so weighed down that it’s as if you’re carrying a fully loaded backpack all day, with a mind too clouded to think clearly…
Have you ever felt like this as a parent?
Have you ever been so overwhelmed that you wondered why you thought you could do this in the first place?
Do you secretly hate housework or cooking but feel too ashamed to admit it because you’re “supposed” to manage a home effortlessly?
If any of this sounds familiar—whether you’re facing these struggles now, have in the past, or might in the future—this article is for you. You are not alone. Parenting comes with immense pressure, and it’s okay to struggle.
It’s Okay to Feel This Way
I know these feelings well. I still have days filled with self-doubt. That’s why I’m writing this—to remind you that feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re failing.
There is a way to make life more enjoyable, meaningful, and fulfilling. While I’m still learning, I’ve discovered that when I focus on small, positive changes, life improves. But when I focus on the negative, things spiral quickly.
The Missing Manual for Parents
Think about it: Any other career requires years of training and exams before you’re considered qualified. Yet, parenting—the most crucial job of all—comes with little preparation. Most of us only learn a few basics from family, friends, or a quick hospital class.
We’re told how to burp, swaddle, and change a nappy, but no one teaches us the truly important things, such as:
- Emotional and social development
- Recognizing and handling Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) or autism
- Managing a strong-willed child
- Handling emergencies like a broken tooth or a nosebleed
- Convincing a toddler to wear a jacket in winter
- Surviving months of sleep deprivation
These challenges require intuition, research, and a strong support system.
Coping with Everyday Parenting
Over the past 11 years of raising four children, I’ve learned (often the hard way) a few key strategies that make parenting easier:
1. Ask for Permission
Before wiping their face, putting on a jacket, or picking them up, ask your child first. This small act prevents unnecessary battles and helps your child feel respected. If they say “no,” offer alternatives or explain the reason clearly.
2. Praise Passionately and Honestly
Genuine praise lights up a child’s face and transforms the atmosphere. Notice their efforts and acknowledge them frequently.
3. Make Eye Contact
When your child talks to you, stop what you’re doing and look them in the eyes. It helps you truly listen and makes them feel heard and valued.
4. Offer Choices
Giving children small choices—like what juice to drink or which jacket to wear—builds their decision-making skills and reduces power struggles.
5. Use Loving Touch
Hold their hand, touch their shoulder, cuddle them during storytime—physical affection strengthens your bond and reassures them of your love.
6. Take Care of Yourself
Yes, your well-being matters too! When you are physically and mentally strong, you can parent more effectively. Prioritize:
- The right supplements (e.g., Vitamin B6 for energy and hormone balance)
- If you’re feeling constantly drained, adding maca to your diet could help boost your energy and immunity, giving you the strength to tackle the day. Learn more about its benefits in our Miraculous Maca: Energy & Immunity post
- For those feeling the weight of stress, magnesium is known to help with fatigue and muscle relaxation. Check out our post on how magnesium can help manage fatigue and muscles here
- Wholesome, nourishing food
- Proper hydration
- Enjoying small pleasures (music, a favorite treat, a hobby)
This isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When you feel good, you can give your best to your family.
My Tip for You
> Take a moment to reflect on the six strategies above.
> Each week for the next six weeks, put one of these actions into practice and focus on that one until you’ve worked through the entire list.
> After you’ve practiced each action, aim to turn them into lifelong habits. Doing this will help you find more peace within yourself, making it easier to cope with your days. Instead of dreading them, you’ll begin to look forward to them with a positive mindset.
None of these actions require finances, anyone else’s help, a lot of time, or a degree to make them work. What they do require is focus, patience, a clear mind, and an open heart.
Take each day one day at a time, one hour at a time, one moment at a time.
Don’t let life escape you—cherish each moment, even in the midst of challenges.
If you’re feeling particularly stressed or dealing with a difficult child, consider reading more on managing stress and maintaining balance here.
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