Feeling Overwhelmed With Parenting? It’s not what you think. A surprising way to beat stress, get the kids to listen, and enjoy family life.
Sarah sat at her kitchen table, head in her hands, her daughter’s music blaring from the next room. “I don’t know what to do anymore, I feel awful that parenting is too overwhelming.” she told me. “When she was little, I wanted her to feel safe, to know I was always there for her. I let a lot go. I thought I was being kind. But now…”
Her daughter, now 12, was pushing back constantly—ignoring requests, talking back, struggling at school. Sarah had tried being more firm lately, taking her daughter’s phone away when she was disrespectful.
But it didn’t work. Her daughter just shrugged it off or got even angrier, leading to more fights. The connection between them felt worse than ever.
Sarah’s mum had told her, ‘Be the Parent.’
But what does that even mean?
Be stricter?
Be tougher?
And how could she when she didn’t know what else to do?
Sound familiar?
Feeling Overwhelmed With Parenting?Keep reading…
So many parents come to me exhausted, overwhelmed, feeling like nothing works.
They want to be close to their kids and hold boundaries. They don’t want to be too strict or too permissive, but what’s left?
Feeling Overwhelmed With Parenting?
Is It Normal to Feel This Overwhelmed, or Am I Just a Bad Parent?
You’re not a bad parent. Most of us grew up with only two options—strict or permissive. We either followed what was modelled to us or hated how we were raised and did the complete opposite.
At first, being more permissive can feel right—it keeps the peace, avoids conflict, and feels like we’re being loving and supportive. But over time, we start to see that overly permissive isn’t good either. We go past our own boundaries, our kids start ruling the roost, and before long, resentment and overwhelm creep in.
Most of us grew up with one of these two parenting styles—maybe a mix of both. And if you’re anything like the parents I work with, you’ve probably tried both too.
Struggling to find the balance between being too strict or too permissive? The Keeping Your Cool Parenting book will show you a better way—one that actually works! ?✨Click here to Learn More
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Why Strict or Permissive Parenting Leaves Us Overwhelmed
Too permissive and resentment builds. Without boundaries, we end up feeling like we’re at the bottom of the ladder, with no say, no space, and no respect.
And kids struggle to build self-control, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. They don’t learn how to respect other people’s boundaries, which can make friendships, school, and life harder.
Too strict and it feels like we’re a drill sergeant, constantly battling for control. The stress, the power struggles—it’s exhausting, and it can leave us feeling disconnected from the very child we’re trying to guide.
And kids don’t get the chance to practise making decisions or learn how to navigate challenges on their own. They may comply out of fear or exhaustion, but it doesn’t build long-term confidence or resilience.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what I see in each:
It’s not our fault. No wonder parenting feels overwhelming—neither approach works |
Feeling Overwhelmed With Parenting? What’s the secret to happy parenting?
There’s a different Way—one that actually works
You’ve probably heard the phrase pick your battles when it comes to boundaries. But the problem with that is—it frames parenting as a fight. Either we hold a boundary, and our child “loses,” or we let it go, and we “lose.” That’s exhausting!
For example, imagine insisting your child stops playing on their phone during homework time. If you enforce the rule, your child might throw a tantrum and feel punished. But if you let it slide, you feel like you’re failing to teach responsibility. Either way, it ends up feeling like a battle rather than a chance for both of you to win.
In Language of Listening®, (the coaching model I use and teach.) we don’t pick battles. We look for the win-win.
It works because it’s based on how humans actually work.
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Kids (and adults!) need to feel seen and understood before they’re open to listening. When they feel heard, their defences drop, and they naturally cooperate.
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All behaviour is communication—when kids push back, it’s because they’re trying to meet a need. When we understand the need, we can guide them to meet it in a way that works for everyone.
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Limits actually help kids feel safe—but only when they’re set with warmth and connection, not control or punishment.
When parents learn the tools of Language of Listening, they find that boundaries don’t have to be harsh, and connection doesn’t mean giving in.
They learn how to set clear, strong expectations in a way that invites cooperation instead of resistance. And best of all? Their kids listen—not out of fear, but because they feel seen and understood.
At your wit’s end with your child’s behaviour and looking for something that really works? Want a simple, actionable plan that can start making a difference in just a few minutes a day?
The Language of Listening Collection, £15
Get immediate access to 3 eBooks with practical tools and step by step guidance to better behaviour and more joy at home
Page by page you’ll find easy and practical solutions to real life dilemmas faced by parents, just like you.
No punishments, bribes, or rewards needed—just happy kids and even happier parents!
Feeling overwhelmed with parenting challenges? Get online parenting support now.
I offer 1-2-1 coaching support to a more enjoyable, joyful family life.
You don’t have to go it alone! I’m here to help.
As a qualified, authorised child behaviour specialist and parenting coach, I provide personalised support and practical solutions to turn your parenting challenges into a calm, happy, peaceful home.
Parent coaching is like having a trusty guide on your parenting journey Let’s chat. You can schedule a complimentary, no-obligation call. You can do that by clicking right here.
What other parents are saying after working with me:
“Camilla was the answer to our prayers. I am endlessly grateful to her and only wish I’d found her sooner.” Louisa, Mum of 2
“Camilla coached us through different methods. Methods which I had never thought about, but gave us incredible results in a very short space of time, methods which we still use now and are so easy to implement on a daily basis. I am no longer the shouty mum I used to be. And my relationship with my kids has changed so much, I often wonder why I hadn’t started this journey sooner.’ Lucy, Mum of 3
“I was stuck in a pretty unpleasant vicious circle, with three awesome small children and was ruining it. I was afraid they would grow up and not trust me. Within the first couple of weeks working with Camilla I saw positive changes.” Claire, Mum of 3
Ready to take the first step toward the family life you’ve been dreaming of?
