Here Are 5 Important Reminders For All Tired Parents

There’s nothing more beautiful than becoming a parent, but it’s super stressful!

People who tell you they’re always happy and accept their role without complaint are lying.

Just because parenthood is a blessing doesn’t mean there’s no downside.

Nothing is perfect!

You can love your children more than the world, but still need personal space.

I can already hear the parents crying foul, but if we’re really being honest, it’s mainly the moms who are going to criticize me.

How can you say that?

I’m the mother of three children and I love my role.

I’d never complain like you – you’re a selfish woman who doesn’t love her children!

If that’s what you think, just move on because I know you’re full of crap.

I love my children and I chose to have them, but that doesn’t mean I have to give up everything that makes me who I am and what makes me happy.

And when I say I’m tired, I’m not saying I’m fed up with my kids, I just need a break.

Like any human being, I need calm and care.

And I don’t see why people are shocked when parents say they’re exhausted.

If you don’t have children, you can’t even imagine what exhaustion can feel like.

And it never stops, since you’re a parent 24 hours a day!

If you’re a mom or dad who doesn’t agree with what I’m saying, you’re lying to us!

Worse than that, you’re lying to yourselves!

So, cheer up my tired parents… Things will get better, they will get easier.

1. Admit you need a break

As a mom, I don’t see how I’m going to survive the next few years.

My children make a lot of demands, but I don’t have the strength to keep up.

I feel like a bad mom!

Lucie, 37 years old

It’s perfectly normal to need time away from your children when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

This is not only good for you, but also for all the relationships you create with others.

If you don’t take a break, you’ll feel the frustration building and that will give rise to aggression.

And you certainly don’t want to become abusive or toxic parents, but exhaustion can completely change your personality.

Besides, if you’re constantly tired, you can’t raise your children properly or give them the love they need.

2. Your parenting day is going to be filled with mistakes

When I look at parents on Instagram, I feel like everyone has found the recipe for perfect parenting, but no one wants to share their secret with me.

Aline, 29 years old

Perfect parenthood doesn’t exist, so don’t get frustrated in this pointless quest.

It’s normal to make mistakes, to not know everything or to ask for help.

I know it’s easy to criticize other people’s parenting styles and never question yourself.

Parents who do this are constantly competing with others and want to prove they’re better.

Instead, use your mistakes as opportunities to teach your child a valuable lesson.

It’s important that you’re comfortable saying ‘sorry’ in front of your children and that you’re showing them a role model.

3. Accept that saying ‘no’ is perfectly normal

I can’t say ‘no’ to my kids because I feel like they’re going to hate me.

Plus, I see all these videos on inclusive parenting and everyone says you shouldn’t say ‘no’, but guide the child to another option.

How am I supposed to do that?

Paul, 41 years old

Saying ‘no’ doesn’t make you a bad parent, it makes you an aware and involved one.

You know perfectly well that you can’t and shouldn’t allow your children to do everything.

Limits are important for you and your children.

They give your children a sense of security and are part of their development process.

A child who has never had limits becomes an arrogant and disrespectful adult.

4. Take the space you need to feel all your emotions

I sometimes find it hard to differentiate between my emotions. I’m so happy to see my kids after work, but I’m also angry.

Why do they shout all the time?

Why do they refuse to listen to me?

Alain, 41 years old

Frustration, confusion, regret, guilt and resentment are valid emotions.

You’re entitled to feel them!

It’s important to find out what triggers stress and fear in you.

Why do you feel provoked by their behavior?

Usually, the answer lies in other areas of your life, such as work or even your relationship.

5. During challenges, don’t take your child’s behavior personally

I feel like my five-year-old hates me.

No matter what I say or do, he sulks and always refuses to give me a hug when I see him engulfed in his emotions.

Céline, 39 years old

Your child is doing his best to communicate his emotions.

Of course, he doesn’t yet have all the tools to do so in a healthy way, so don’t take this as an attack.

A child learns his defense and fight mechanisms from his parents, so if your child never sees you express your feelings in a healthy way, he’s not going to either.

Which is to say, you shouldn’t think that your child resents you or doesn’t love you; he simply doesn’t know any better.

It’s up to you to teach him!