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The US Surgeon General issued a warning and public health advisory to parents. The warning references the implications of stressors that come with raising children in a social media heavy society and with the toll of financial constraints. While parenting is not new - there are different aspects of parenting that are new to the life experience. After reading and hearing about his advisory, I immediately began thinking of ways that we can, as Christians, respond to the stresses, so that we can be overcomers and not fall apart. As Christians, we have a secret weapon - the wisdom f the LORD! Here are some pieces of advice that I have helped me and that continue to help me.
10 Ways to Overcome Overwhelm and Stress in Parenting
Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging roles in life. While the joys of raising children are countless, the stress can sometimes feel overwhelming. As parents, especially mothers, we often take on more than we should, feel the pressure to "do it all," and then wonder why we're exhausted. If you're feeling overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. Here are 10 practical ways to help reduce stress and get back to a place of peace and God-given joy in your parenting journey:
1. Cancel the Spirit of Fear
The Bible tells us that fear is a spirit and the feeling that comes can easily take over our thoughts—whether it’s worrying about your child's future, safety, or health. Instead of letting fear control you and the environment, you can speak against it in the name of Jesus. Remind yourself that God has not given you a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Speak this verse into your life circumstances.
2. Say No When Appropriate
As parents, we tend to overcommit ourselves. We don't want to let people down. We look for ways to please others. Which at times, pleasing others is not possible or it can prove to be harmful for you. Whether it's school events, social obligations, or helping out friends and family, saying "yes" to everything is a fast track to burnout. It’s okay to say no! Set boundaries in your time management. Remember, saying YES to one thing means you are simultaneously saying NO to something else. Lady, protect your peace and focus what is truly essential. A book that really helped me out is the book entitled, Essentialism, by Greg Mckeown. Great read!
3. Focus on Financial Literacy
Financial stress is a big source of overwhelm for parents. The cost of living continues to go up and so resources are decreased more quickly. So, equip yourself with knowledge about budgeting, saving, and investing. Traditionally speaking, women are not financially literate. Financial stability brings peace of mind. Even being aware of the details of your bank account - debits and credits - can be a comfort. As an entrepreneur, I am actively focused on creating multiple streams of income and setting financial goals for your family to reduce long-term stress.
4. Show Gratitude
Replacing stress with a real-life praise dance is top tier stress management! Trust me! It's easy to get lost in the stress and challenges, but taking a moment each day to show gratitude for the blessings in your life shifts your perspective. A grateful heart can quiet the noise of stress and bring joy in even the toughest moments of parenting. Being grateful for your children - in the moment - helps to bring your heart and focus back to what matters most.
5. Be Prepared – Income Streams & Growth
One way to reduce stress is to be proactive about preparing for the future. My little ones are growing up so quickly! I feel like I look up each day and I they are bigger! The days are long but the years are short... So whether it’s creating new income streams, focusing on personal development, or simply planning for rainy days, being prepared will reduce financial and emotional stress.
6. Reset Expectations – Don’t Keep Up Appearances
Lady, trying to keep up with social media is a waste of time, energy and resources. The pressure is on (if you let it get to you) to keep up with what we think others expect of us. Which is not only unhealthy, but it is extremely exhausting. Remember social media is a curated snapshot of perfection and organization or even curated chaos that is perfectly edited so that even the 'mess' of others is attractive. You have to let go of the idea that you need to have it all together or that your life must look perfect. While I enjoy a good aesthetic moment, we have to be be authentic, real, and transparent with ourselves and others. Set realistic expectations for yourself and your family.
Social media has a way of making everyone else’s life look perfect. The reality is, most of what you see online is curated to look that way. Stop comparing your life to someone else's highlight reel. Your journey is unique, and that's exactly how it's supposed to be.
7. Focus on Solutions, Not Problems
Parenting comes with its share of challenges, but instead of dwelling on the problems, shift your energy to finding solutions. Yes, I know it feels good to just talk about what is stressing us - I get it! However, at some point, we have to shift gears from complaining/talking to taking action. Whether it's changing a routine, seeking advice, or trying a new approach, solutions bring clarity and give us something productive to focus on, whereas focusing on the problem increases stress and magnifies the issue(s). For example, to help my little ones become more independent, hubby and I use this large magnetic reward chart. As soon as the kids began to use it, they immediately began focusing more on their on chores, self care, and doing their homework - without being told! SCORE!
8. Show Yourself Grace
You won’t get it right all the time—and that’s okay. Show yourself the same grace you would give to a friend. Parenting is a journey filled with mistakes and learning. Be kind to yourself, and remember that no parent is perfect. Kids are more resilient than we give them credit, at times. Yes, we need to be intentional and do our best, but that does not mean we should expect perfection.
9. Invite Holy Spirit into Parenting
Lastly, don’t forget to invite God's help into your parenting. Isaiah 54:13 reminds us that "all your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace." Pray over your children, your home, and your heart. Trust that God will give you the strength, wisdom, and peace to parent in a way that honors Him.
Lean on Your Heavenly Father and Your Community
Parenting was never meant to be done alone. Lean on your Heavenly Father and trust Him to guide you through the tough times. In addition, surround yourself with a community where you can share your struggles, ask questions, and learn from others' experiences. Communities like this one provide the support, wisdom, and encouragement every parent needs.
10. Don't Hover!
Hey ladies, don't be that overprotective parent who never lets their kids play on their own or out of sight. Try not to always be right there watching over them. Give them the space to explore, have fun, learn, and figure things out by themselves when it's safe and they're old enough. You can still be there for them without always being right next to them. This way, you'll have more time to get things done, even if it means looking after yourself.
Lady, you've got the whole GLC (Grown Lady Chat) community backing you up (if you want!)! It's like having your own parenting team of amazing woman who love God and are here to help you - Let's join forces and rock this parenting adventure with style, grace, and a whole lot of Jesus!
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