et’s be real, parenting is basically a full-time job… with no paycheck, no sick days, and no HR department to file complaints. You’re a chef, a chauffeur, a therapist, a human GPS, and a personal assistant to tiny dictators who have zero concept of personal space. Fun, right?
Between school drop-offs, doctor appointments, meal prepping (or let’s be honest, ordering takeout again), and playing referee in sibling death matches, it’s a miracle any of us are still functioning. And if you’re not stressed, are you even parenting?
But here’s the good news: while we can’t eliminate the stress of raising kids (unless you have a secret nanny fund, in which case, share your secrets), there are ways to make it slightly more bearable. So, grab your cold coffee and let’s dive into the survival guide.
Seek Professional Help (No, Not Just the Wine Bottle)
Look, there’s no shame in admitting you’re overwhelmed. In fact, if you’re NOT overwhelmed, I have questions. Stress, anxiety, and the occasional existential crisis are part of the job description. But when those feelings start turning into full-blown burnout or parental depression, it’s time to tag in the professionals.
Therapists exist for a reason, and no, venting to your toddler doesn’t count as therapy. (They will just stare at you blankly and ask for snacks.) If you’re struggling with stress, anxiety, or feeling like you’re one meltdown away from running away to a remote island, find a professional who can help.
And if therapy feels like too much work to schedule (because let’s be honest, finding a babysitter is harder than solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded), even just talking to another mom friend who gets it can be a lifesaver.
Build a Support System (Or Bribe One Into Existence)
They say “it takes a village,” but what they don’t tell you is that finding a village is harder than keeping your house clean for more than five minutes. If you’re lucky enough to have family or friends nearby, use them—grandparents love feeling needed, and nothing bonds you faster with other moms than shared trauma (I mean, experiences).
If your “village” consists of a partner who mysteriously disappears every time a diaper needs changing, it’s time to start outsourcing. Join a local mom group, swap babysitting favors, or—worst case scenario—just befriend another tired mom at the playground and hope she doesn’t ghost you.
Schedule ‘Me Time’ (Even If It’s in the Bathroom)
Ah, self-care. The unicorn of motherhood. You’re told it’s important, but when exactly are you supposed to fit it in? Between keeping small humans alive and attempting to remember the last time you showered, it’s tricky.
So, let’s get creative:
Early Morning Solitude – Waking up before the kids for a few minutes of quiet is great… in theory. In reality, it’s just another way to be exhausted earlier in the day. But hey, if it works for you, go for it.
The Bathroom Escape – Lock yourself in the bathroom for five whole minutes of silence. No, you’re not going to the bathroom. Yes, your kids will bang on the door like the FBI. Stay strong.
Nap Time = Mom Time – If your kids still nap, don’t waste that precious time cleaning. Watch Netflix, eat snacks in peace, or just stare at the wall in glorious silence.
Lower the Parenting Bar (No One’s Giving Out Gold Stars)
Somewhere along the line, society decided that moms need to be Pinterest-perfect, baking organic snacks, doing themed crafts, and hosting playdates that look like mini weddings. Let’s be clear: this is a trap.
You do not need to make heart-shaped sandwiches or hand-sew Halloween costumes to be a great mom. Sometimes, survival is the only goal. So, here’s permission to:
- Pretend you don’t hear them fighting and hope they sort it out themselves.
- Serve cereal for dinner. They’ll survive.
- Let them wear mismatched socks. Fashion is subjective.
- Ignore the laundry for one more day (or five).
Laugh (Because Crying in Public Is Frowned Upon)
Honestly, if you don’t laugh at the chaos, you’ll probably just cry into your cold coffee. Kids are ridiculous. They argue over imaginary rules in games, cry because their banana is “too banana-y,” and somehow take 47 minutes to put on shoes.
So, instead of losing your mind over the daily insanity, lean into it. Start keeping a list of the weirdest things your kids cry about (trust me, it’ll be comedy gold). Take pictures of the messes instead of stressing over them. And remind yourself that one day, you’ll miss the madness. (Or at least that’s what people with grown kids say.)
Cheat the System (No Guilt Allowed)
Desperate times call for desperate mom hacks. Here are some survival tricks you should use:
- Screen Time = Free Babysitter – No shame in handing them a tablet when you need a break. Anyone judging you is not your real friend.
- Hide Snacks for Yourself – Because sometimes, you deserve a snack that no one asks for a bite of.
- Let Someone Else Read Bedtime Stories – Audiobooks exist for a reason.
- Buy Pre-Cut Veggies – You’re busy, and chopping takes time. Zero guilt.
- Drive-Thru Everything – If it can be picked up without leaving the car, it’s automatically a win.
Remember, This Is Just a Season (A Loud, Sticky, Exhausting Season)
In the grand scheme of life, the chaos of raising kids is temporary. One day, your house will be clean, your car will not smell like old french fries, and no one will be screaming your name 147 times in a row.
So, in the meantime, embrace the madness, do what you need to do to survive, and most importantly—give yourself some grace. You’re doing better than you think.
Now, go hide in the bathroom for five minutes. You’ve earned it.