Being a parent is wonderful—but it can also feel like too much sometimes. Juggling meals, bedtime, work, and play can make your mind race and like a constant engine is running inside of you. This parent overwhelm can really take a toll on your mental health.

When you feel overwhelmed, it’s hard to stay calm and you may find it difficult to concentrate or maybe be on edge with everyone around you. Your stress can make your child feel stressed too, because they are often sensing our moods and feelings. So, as hard as it may be, taking small steps to take care of yourself and your mental health, can really help the whole family’s well-being.

3 Simple Steps to Ease Overwhelm

1. Name It. Say, “I feel overwhelmed,” or “I feel stressed.” Naming what you are feeling really does give the feeling less power.
2. Pause & Breathe. Inhale slowly for four counts. Exhale for four. Do this three times. Your body will start to calm.
3. Reach Out. You’re not alone! Talk to a friend, family member, or other supports.

How Early Head Start Can Help

• Weekly support: You family consultant is always happy to listen to things that may be feeling overwhelming to you, and can connect you with resources or to me, the mental health specialist to help support you.
• Parent Connection: Join our many parent-support spaces like playgroup or parent connect to relate with other parents who are likely navigating similar stressors.
• One-on-One Support: Book one on one support with the mental health specialist to talk over resources, find a counselor to work with or get reminders of how to manage moments of overwhelm.

It takes courage to admit we need a break. By talking about overwhelm, we show our kids that caring for our feelings is normal and important. You deserve support—and so does your family. Let’s take a deep breath together and make space for calm.