Parenting Demands Care

I recently saw a cute video of a toddler sorting blocks with his dad. The dad demonstrated how to put the moon-shaped block into the moon-shaped opening. Then the toddler, totally understanding the assignment, lifted the top and forcefully threw all the blocks in the container one fist full at a time. He didn’t demonstrate his sorting skills, but he certainly showed that he knew how to get the job done.

That’s us, parents. One thing we know how to do is get the job done one way or another. Sometimes we miss things, because well…it’s too much. Getting the job done, blocks in the bin, done and done. But… parenting is more than just getting the blocks in the box, or getting the job done and sometimes we need a little help staying on top of it all. 

We’ve all felt the overwhelming imbalance between the constant demands of daily life and the limited resources we have to meet them. Whether it’s work, household responsibilities, or caring for our children, it often seems like there isn’t enough time, energy, or patience to go around. We are getting the job done with limited resources every day and that comes at a price. 

The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, recently issued an advisory about the growing mental health crisis parents are facing today. He spoke about how increasing pressures, like economic challenges, health concerns, and the lingering effects of the pandemic are contributing to heightened stress levels for parents. When parents are overwhelmed, it can ripple through the entire family, influencing everything from parent-child relationships to the emotional development of children.                                                   

Don’t neglect yourself to do it all!

Taking care of your mental health is not just about feeling better yourself, it’s about creating a healthy, nurturing environment for your family. Recognizing that you are feeling stressed is the first and most important step. Parenting is hard, and it’s okay to admit that you need support. Whether that means talking to a partner, friend, or professional, reaching out when you feel overwhelmed is a sign of strength, not weakness.

One of the most powerful things you can do for your family is to make space for self-care. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or time-consuming—just small moments throughout the day where you focus on yourself. Whether it’s taking a few minutes for a deep breath, enjoying a hobby, or stepping outside for some fresh air, these small actions can help restore your emotional reserves. Self-care isn’t indulgent; it’s necessary for maintaining your energy and well-being as a parent.

It’s also important to remember that your relationship with your children thrives on connection, not perfection. Amid life’s demands, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling short. But your child doesn’t need a perfect parent—they need a connected parent. Even on your hardest days, finding small moments of meaningful connection with your child, like a shared laugh, a kind word, or a hug, goes a long way in maintaining a strong bond. These small acts of connection help children feel loved and secure, even when everything else feels chaotic.

Sometimes, stress comes from not knowing how to handle specific parenting challenges. It’s okay.  There was a time when we all were clueless about raising children, and look at us now! We get those blocks in the bin, most of the time. Parenting is a journey of learning, and it’s okay to seek guidance when you need it. I do this work because the demands on parents today are real, but so are the solutions. You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of parenting. I am here to support you every step of the way. Whether through live online classes for your children, parent courses, or personalized consulting, my goal is to help families build stronger, more connected relationships. You are doing one of the hardest jobs there is, and you deserve to feel supported, understood, and empowered as you navigate the challenges of parenthood.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward caring for yourself and building a healthier family dynamic, reach out to me. You don’t have to go through it alone.