10 Reasons Parents Are Struggling
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
The journey of parenthood is a profound odyssey, encompassing moments of pure joy and the nuanced navigation of significant challenges in raising our children. While most parents recognize that these trials are an integral part of the journey and hold purpose, this awareness doesn’t negate the occasional, or even frequent, difficulties that inevitably emerge.
A parenting forum discussed the following question: “What is the worst part of being a parent?” The answers give great insight into what concerns are on parents’ minds. If you’re a parent, these might help you realize we all struggle together.
1. Never ending Meal Planning
Kids are growing and need a lot of food (and snacks). One mom says her biggest pain point is “figuring out 3 meals, 8,000 snacks, 1,000 activities and settling for the fact they won’t like, want or do any of them.” Kids are always hungry, and you can’t take a day or meal off!
2. The Job That Never Ends
One parent reports the constant presence gets to them sometimes. “Relentlessness. Kids don’t stop, they don’t go away, they always need to be fed, and cleaned, and entertained. They are always there, for 21 years+, they are always there. Every single day, every single hour. Kids are always there.” Of course, before they know it, ironically parents will have an empty house and wish for that presence back.
3. Constant Interruptions
With kids, there tends to be a lot of interruptions. “Sitting here trying to have a conversation with my wife about our retirement portfolio and one of them is whining nonstop because he didn’t go to sleep and now he’s overtired. She just went upstairs to try to settle him. Again.” Some days it seems everything is mad chaos, thankfully there are plenty of calm days to balance it out (usually).
4. Having to Watch Our Kids Make Mistakes
Kids have their own problems to solve and pains to withstand. As a loving parent, it can be hard to watch. One mom talks about “the emotional pain of watching your children go through something almost unimaginably difficult knowing that your best efforts may not be enough to save them.” For the little loves of our lives, this is hard to bear.
5. Bad Timing
“Kids have an incredible ability to get really sick during the most inconvenient times.” Whether it’s a busy work week or a vacation is coming up, kids get sick at the most random times. And so goes life…
6. Always Worrying
“The worry that something horrible will happen to them. Sickness, kidnapping, getting lost, etc.” It seems there’s always something to worry about when it comes to kids, no matter their age. Learning to trust and let go are important parenting skills.
7. Free Time?
Between work, meals, errands, extracurriculars, and spending time with family, a parent has little downtime. The lack of self-care and time alone can be tough on a parent’s mental health. Fitting in small moments for ourselves is important, when possible.
8. Severe Sleep Deprivation
Do parents even sleep? Or do they turn into vampires while their kids are little? One mom says, “Lack of sleep impacts your ability to do everything.” Concentration, patience, multi-tasking, and to-do lists can all be thrown out the window when a parent is chronically tired- which often happens with littles!
9. Having to be Strict
It’s fun to play and laugh with your kids, but at some point, boundaries have to be set that your child will inevitably try to push. One parent admits their least favorite part of parenting is “the guilt when you have to stand up to your kids and discipline them. It’s never fun to see them sad.” A tough but necessary part of parenting.
10. No Time for Your Own Hobbies
One user asks, “Do you like doing things? Say goodbye to doing any of those things.” It’s hard to find a chunk of time for things a parent to do something they love.
For any parents feeling totally overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. If you feel like you’re hanging on by a thread, it’s time to ask for help- hire a babysitter, drop the kids off with a friend or family member, and take an hour (or more) to recharge!
30 Birth Stories That Labor Can Have Its Hilarious Moments
Are you prepared for a bit of humor? Childbirth, while undeniably gratifying, can also be an arduous and occasionally painful process. With the physical discomfort, emotional roller coasters, and the multitude of choices to be made, it’s hardly astonishing that countless mothers and fathers discover themselves in hilariously awkward scenarios during delivery!
30 Birth Stories That Labor Can Have Its Hilarious Moments
How to Be a Good Mother: 16 Practical Tips
Being a mom is one of the world’s most important, challenging, and rewarding jobs. It’s also one of the most difficult to define. What does it mean to be a good mother? There are as many answers to that question, but none of them have anything to do with striving for perfection or doing more.
How to Be a Good Mother: 16 Practical Tips
How to Embrace Your Mom Bod Once and For All
The Mom Bod celebrates the beauty in motherhood and highlights the changes that come with it. This article will explore why this trend is gaining popularity, its implications for body positivity, and how moms can embrace their new figures.
How to Embrace Your Mom Bod Once and For All
12 Most Popular Baby Girl Names
Selecting a name for your baby girl from this list of 12 options almost guarantees that she will share her name with at least one of her classmates. These names are incredibly popular, making them common choices among parents.
12 Most Popular Baby Girl Names
The Best Shoes for Pregnancy-According to a Physical Therapist
Going for a walk or strolling around the block can be relaxing, especially when pregnant. However, even a short walk can feel like an arduous journey if you don’t have the right shoes. With the crazy weight gain (thanks to the weird pregnancy cravings) and pressure on your lower body, finding the best shoes for pregnancy and your growing bump is crucial.
The Best Shoes for Pregnancy-According to a Physical Therapist
