Parenting in 2025 Why You are Feeling Overwhelmed
Parenting in 2025: Why You Are Feeling Overwhelmed
Parenting has always been a journey filled with highs and lows, but recent research shows just how challenging the role has become in today’s world. A 2023 report by the Pew Research Center found that 62% of parents say being a parent has been at least somewhat harder than they expected, with about a quarter (26%) saying it’s been a lot harder. Parents can relate to the stress and overwhelm of navigating parenting demands in our modern world. This includes juggling careers to addressing their children’s emotional well-being in an ever-changing world.
Adding to this conversation, the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, has identified parental stress as a critical public health issue. He emphasizes that many parents feel “lost and exhausted” due to inadequate support systems. According to Dr. Murthy, this stress doesn’t just affect parents—it has ripple effects on the entire family, impacting children’s emotional and mental health as well.
Why Is Parenting More Challenging Today?
- Increased Expectations: Today’s parents are often held to high standards of involvement, from extracurricular activities to providing emotional support in ways previous generations may not have prioritized.
- Information Overload: With access to endless parenting advice online, many parents feel overwhelmed by conflicting information about what is “right” for their child.
- Lack of Support Networks: Families are increasingly isolated, with fewer extended family members nearby to offer help and guidance.
- Post-Pandemic Challenges: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routines and introduced new challenges for families, from online schooling to heightened anxieties, many of which linger today.
As a child life specialist, I see this firsthand in the parents I work with. Parenting stressors and expectations are so high that they drive more stress and unrealistic expectations, which are often verified by false advertising and illusions on social media.
How to Make Change in Your Home
1. Start with yourself. You can’t control other people but you can control how you respond. Check-in with yourself, acknowledge your hard work and find small ways to fill your cup each day to keep yourself from going into crisis mode. I hear from many parents that they have a hard time controlling their rage, anxiety and overwhelm. This leads them to overreact, yell or want to give up. This cycle leads to more burnout and feelings of helplessness.
What makes you feel good? What did you use to enjoy? Set a timer, plan ahead and start with 5 minutes a day.
For example, go to bed early, create a bedtime routine and set a reminder on your phone to get ready for bed.
Have a bath, read a book, have herbal tea and finish your day with a gratitude journal for example.
Need more support? Check out my affordable programs created to get you started with practical tips for time management and self-care
Balancing Act Program for Moms Only 18.00!
2. Find Community. Mom groups, online FB groups, extracurricular clubs/ teams, or your own friend group are good places to start. Isolation is not helpful, trying to be your own support and a community can lead to feelings of helplessness and anxiety. Here are a few examples of where you can get started.
Michelle McVitties Parenting Group: Parenting with Connection
Michelle McVittie’s FB community ADHD Parenting
Parents for Children’s Mental Health Support Group
Balance Support and Self-Care Studios
Babies and Brews event for parent and child
3. Alter Your Expectations. I’m not asking you to lower expectations, but I do want you to alter them. In a world full of expectations and instant access to information I give you permission to take your foot off the gas. You can’t do it all, and you can choose to say no! To say no, to change how you respond will take time, it’s an adjustment. Learning to ride the wave of discomfort and accept that you want things to be different and that it may upset your partner, children and friends is a big step to take. But if you are ready I am here to say you can do it! Take it one day at a time.
Delegate, ask for help, make a plan for change and feel in more in control.
Need more support and want to learn more about building a parenting plan? I’ve got you! Click the link below to learn more.
Written by Michelle McVittie
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