Today was one of those days where everything felt overwhelming. Between battling a nasty cold, the chaos of current events, and the constant mental noise, I just wanted to retreat to bed and hide under the blankets. The reality, however, is that life doesn’t pause when a parent is feeling down. The responsibilities keep piling up, and the chaos doesn’t cease.
Given the kind of day I had, I was bracing myself for a meltdown. My partner had to work late, our babysitter canceled due to illness, and I had to drag my kids to a church meeting. With no dinner prepared and time slipping away, everything seemed like a monumental challenge. I was pretty sure I was failing at this whole adulting thing.
Typically, when I’m feeling stressed, sick, or emotional, I try to push through it, putting on a brave face. But more often than not, this results in losing my cool over something trivial—like dinner prep or getting my kids to finish their homework.
Tonight, however, I chose a different approach. Instead of pretending I was fine, I turned to my kids and said, “Hey, I need your help. I’m not feeling great. I know you don’t want to go to this meeting, and honestly, I don’t either, but we have to. I just need you two to do your homework and try not to fight. Please don’t embarrass me at this meeting. I really could use your support since I’m barely keeping it together.”
Miraculously, they responded. Whether it was the extended tablet time during the meeting or the promise of McDonald’s shakes afterward, they surprisingly cooperated. They didn’t bicker much and even managed to avoid any major embarrassing moments, apart from one of them showcasing a rather unfortunate drawing on his arm.
When we returned home, they took the initiative to help even more. They brought me drinks—water, coffee, juice, and lemonade—and made sure I was comfortable in bed. I overheard my eldest asking their dad where my bras went and chuckling about the laundry situation. They even created a sweet card and brushed their teeth without any fuss—what a miracle!
The takeaway here is that we don’t have to be martyrs in parenting. It’s completely acceptable to seek help and allow others to care for us. We can take breaks without fearing that everything will fall apart. We can show our kids that we have vulnerabilities and that it’s okay to lean on them when times get tough.
So, to all the parents out there, it’s perfectly fine to admit when you’re struggling. It’s okay to take your kids along to various commitments sometimes instead of pretending everything is perfectly organized. It’s okay to retreat to bed at an early hour and let the dishes pile up. It’s okay to express that you don’t have all the answers and feel like you’re navigating it all poorly. We can be human, strong, and vulnerable all at once.
It’s okay to say, “I’m feeling overwhelmed.” It’s okay to ask for support. And guess what? Everything will be just fine.
For more insights on parenting and finding balance, check out this post on Cervical Insemination. Also, if you’re looking to explore options for home insemination, Make A Mom offers reliable at-home insemination kits. For additional information about pregnancy, visit the CDC’s pregnancy resource.
Summary
It’s essential for parents to recognize that seeking help from their children during tough times is not only acceptable but beneficial. By being open about our struggles, we can foster a supportive environment that encourages cooperation and understanding within the family.
Leave a Reply