The Challenges of Parenting: Why It's So Hard and How to Cope

Parenting is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it's also one of the toughest. 

From the moment you welcome your kid into the world, you’re faced with a multitude of challenges that, like most parents, leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. 

So In this blog post, I’m going to share 5 real reasons that parenting is so hard

Offer you some strategies to cope.

And a promise, that by the end of the post, you'll be able to go from kicking yourself for losing your cool, to feeling more hopeful and confident in your parenting.

5 Real Reasons Parenting Is So Hard

1. Kids Require a Lot of Physical and Emotional Care: We can all agree, the practical demands of parenting are endless. It’s not just you. 

From endless piles of laundry to preparing meals and helping with homework, it really does feel like there's never enough time in the day. And let’s not forget all the emotional care and support your kids need to navigate the school yard, the play-ground and bedtime! 

So let me be clear here, the reason parenting is so hard is because taking care of your kids' practical and emotional needs is endless. Full stop. That’s just the way it is. 

2. You Don't Actually Know What You're Doing: Another unspoken reason parenting is so hard is the constant feeling of uncertainty. No matter how much advice you manage to gather or how many books you read, there's no manual for raising children. 

So it’s no wonder you find yourself second-guessing your decisions and wondering if you’re getting this parenting thing right. 

But heads up: If this self-doubt its a constant companion in your parenting, you might find yourself more drained than you’d like to be and exhausted from wrestling with constant feelings of inadequacy. 

3. The Apple Doesn't Fall Far from the Tree:  As parents, we all know that how we raise our kids today is shaping them for tomorrow. Whether it's our words, actions, or attitudes, our behavior shapes the way our children view the world and themselves. 

But what we tend to pay less attention to is how our experience being parented is shaping the way we parent today.

In other words, another reason why being a parent is so hard, is because you’re stuck in old patterns of relating that you learned from your parents. Even if you know they’re not helpful, and may even be harmful, you’re going to parent just like you were parented. It’s not because you can’t hack it, but because our patterns of relating are automatic. It’s why you can’t stand baking with your kid or you step in to tie their shoes, even though you know you should let them do it themselves. 

So instead of wondering if you’re like your parents, start to pinpoint how you’re like you’re parents. I know that for some of us, it’s not an easy pill to swallow, but the sooner you are able to bring your awareness to your patterns, the sooner you can change them, and become the parent you know you should be, and your kids deserve. 

4. You're Too Busy: Should I review the to-do list, or would you like the honors? Because I just know that your brain is full of items, large and small, that are keeping you busy, and even keeping you awake at night. 

There’s so much to do, and to remember!

Not to mention, the constant distractions that pull you off course. 

I’m talking about the phone in your hand that you’re likely reading this on. 

No judgment here mama, just some loving validation that if you’re struggling in your parenting, it’s because you’re overwhelmed by constant demands, distractions and self-doubt. 

It's no wonder we feel like we're constantly spinning our wheels.

5. You're Looking in the Wrong Place for Answers: With so much parenting advice available, it's easy to fall into the trap of trying to find the "right" way to parent. But the truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. What works for one family may not work for another, and that's okay. Instead of looking to external sources for answers, you need to tap in and trust your instincts. If you need a guide, I’m here for you.

Because parenting is, undoubtedly, one of the most challenging jobs in the world. By acknowledging the difficulties we face and finding ways to cope with them, we can become more confident and resilient parents. 

That’s why I’ve dedicated my career as a psychologist to helping moms to stop spinning their wheels, so they can be more present, patient and enjoy their kids like they know they should. 

If you're struggling to find joy in parenting and want personalized guidance, go ahead and book a no-cost, no-commitment discovery call. 

Together, we can navigate the ups and downs of parenting and create a loving and supportive environment for your family to thrive in.