Parenting Stress

“Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.”
― Benjamin Spock

toddlers, tweens & teens, oh my!

Parenting can be one of the most rewarding experiences watching your children grow and develop, see the world through their eyes and experiencing deep love and joy. Parenting is also one of the most mentally, emotionally and physically demanding roles within someone’s life. For me, parenting is what everyone said it was going to be: a blessing, amazing, tiring and sometimes maddening. You may be feeling that the latter takes over and are sad and ashamed to admit that you aren't enjoying it. It’s easy to compare yourself to other parents (e.g. friends, Instagram, energetic parent at the park, etc.) who seem to have it all figured out. Parenting is individualized and it can be exhausting to figure out what approach to use when you are trying to nurture, teach and meet the basic, emotional and life skills needs of your kid(s). Meanwhile, trying to balance priorities, juggle responsibilities and to meet your own needs can lead to chronic stress. Managing expectations of yourself as a parent and what you envisioned for your kid(s) can be frustrating and disappointing. You may feel emotional strain as you and your partner have different parenting styles and are not on the same page. Then, there’s survival mode and feeling badly about how you’re coping and showing up.

Parenting challenges shift dramatically as children grow, and each stage—toddlers, tweens, and teens—brings its own set of mental, emotional, and practical difficulties.

👶 Parenting Toddlers (Ages 1–3)

🔥 Common Challenges:

• Tantrums & Emotional Outbursts
  Toddlers lack emotional regulation and express big feelings through screaming, crying, or hitting.

• Boundary Testing
  They're discovering independence—saying "no," refusing to listen, or running away when called.

• Sleep Struggles
  Night wakings, nap transitions, or sleep resistance can be exhausting for parents.

• Potty Training
  Frustrating for both child and parent, often filled with setbacks and accidents.

• Separation Anxiety
  Clinginess and distress when away from primary caregivers.

🧠 Mental Health Impact on Parents:

• Exhaustion, both physical and emotional.

• Frustration or guilt over not reacting "perfectly."

• Isolation, especially for stay-at-home parents or caregivers with limited support.

👧 Parenting Tweens (Ages 9–12)

🔄 Common Challenges:

• Emotional Mood Swings
  Hormonal changes begin, leading to irritability, self-doubt, or sudden mood shifts.

• Push for Independence
  Kids start seeking more privacy and autonomy—but aren’t emotionally mature yet.

• Friendship & Peer Pressure Issues
  Social dynamics become more complex; kids may feel excluded or influenced by others.

• Increased Screen Time Battles
  Arguments over phone use, gaming, or YouTube are common.

• Academic Pressure
  Schoolwork gets harder, and parents may feel pressure to support without taking over.

🧠 Mental Health Impact on Parents:

• Feeling disconnected from a child who used to be more open.

• Uncertainty about how much freedom to give.

• Fear of bullying, academic failure, or social struggles.

🧑‍🦱 Parenting Teens (Ages 13–18)

🌪️ Common Challenges:

• Defiance & Risk-Taking
  Teens may test boundaries more seriously—arguing, sneaking out, experimenting with substances.

• Identity & Mental Health Struggles
  Issues like depression, anxiety, and eating disorders often emerge in adolescence.

• Academic & Life Pressure
  Stress around grades, college, jobs, or future plans can affect both teen and parent.

• Communication Breakdown
  Teens may become withdrawn or communicate less openly.

• Technology & Online Safety
  Social media, cyberbullying, sexting, and screen addiction can all pose risks.

🧠 Mental Health Impact on Parents:

• Worry and helplessness—especially if the teen is struggling emotionally.

• Burnout from constant monitoring or conflict.

• Grief or nostalgia as your child becomes more independent.

• Fear of letting go and trusting their judgment.

🧰 Across All Ages: What Helps

• Patience and empathy (with your child and yourself)

• Clear boundaries with flexibility

• Open communication without judgment

• Support systems (friends, family, therapists, parent groups)

• Time for self-care, even in short bursts

• Therapy—individual, family, or parenting-focused

how i can help

I can support you through the stress, anxiety and depression you’re experiencing and to learn healthy coping skills. We can work together to explore your triggers and how to appropriately cope when your buttons are being pushed by your little one(s) or partner. I can support you to explore what your child is trying to communicate to you through their behavior and we can discuss different strategies for you to try. We can discuss strategies so you can appropriately communicate your needs with your partner. We will work on you managing your support system (it takes a village), being kind and having compassion for yourself (and stop comparing)!

Parenting is hard but it is possible to be the parent you aspire to be and to enjoy it.