A tired mother sitting, holding her child while looking overwhelmed—being comforted by an older parent--symbolizing the struggle and love of parenthood.
Family Life

How to Navigate Parenting When You’re Overwhelmed and Exhausted

by Denise Wright

Parenting is hard. There’s no way around it. Some days, it feels like you’re running on fumes, trying to keep up with everyone’s needs while barely managing your own. Whether you’re facing financial stress, mental health struggles, or just the overwhelming exhaustion of raising little humans, you are not alone.

Struggling through parenthood doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re human. And while there’s no magic fix, there are ways to navigate the tough seasons while still showing up for your kids (and yourself).

In this post, I’ll share real-life strategies for parenting when you’re struggling, because let’s be honest—sometimes, survival mode is all we can manage.

And before you start thinking, “Wow, she’s incredible for managing all this content while being a full-time mom,” let me be real with you—I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been interrupted just trying to write this post.

Parenting When You’re Struggling

It’s easy to push through the motions of parenting without realizing how much you’re mentally, emotionally, and physically drained. But ignoring the signs of struggle doesn’t make them disappear—it delays the crash.

Here are some common signs that you may be struggling more than you realize:

  • You feel constantly overwhelmed—like you’re drowning in responsibilities.
  • Small things set you off—you snap at your kids over things that wouldn’t normally bother you.
  • Exhaustion feels never-ending—no amount of sleep seems to make a difference.
  • You withdraw from loved ones—parenting feels isolating and reaching out seems exhausting.
  • You feel guilty all the time—whether it’s for not being patient enough, fun enough, or ‘good’ enough.

If you find yourself nodding along to any of these, you are not alone. Parenting through struggle is tough, but there are ways to lighten the load.

I can’t even count how many times a day my husband and I look at each other and say, “It’s okay. It’s all okay.” Meanwhile, in the background, our kids are locked in an intense battle over their Minecraft world, arguing about who keeps un-aliving the other. Priorities, right?

1. Lower the Bar and Ditch the Parenting Guilt

One of the biggest struggles when parenting through hard times is the pressure to do it all. But let me tell you—you don’t have to. I know, I know. It’s easy for me to say. Right? That’s what you were thinking. But truly, you can’t do anything for anyone if you don’t take a moment and breathe! We all just gotta breathe!

parenting

When you’re in survival mode, it’s okay to scale back and focus on the essentials:
🔹 Fed is best—Dinner doesn’t have to be homemade. Frozen pizza counts.
🔹 A clean-ish house is fine—Letting the laundry pile up for a day (or three) won’t ruin your kids’ lives.
🔹 Screens won’t destroy them—Sometimes, an extra episode of their favorite show is the only way to get through the day.

Parenting isn’t about perfection. It’s about being present, even when that presence looks different than usual.

👉 Let go of the guilt—doing your best, even if it doesn’t feel like enough, is enough.

2. Create Small Moments of Connection

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to feel disconnected from your kids. But a meaningful connection doesn’t have to be elaborate.

Here are simple ways to bond with your children, even on hard days:

  • Five-minute cuddles before bed or while watching TV.
  • Let them help with small tasks—stirring pancake batter or folding socks counts!
  • Laugh together—silly faces, dance parties, or an impromptu tickle fight can turn a hard day around.
  • Give them your full attention, even briefly—put the phone down for a few minutes and be in their world.

👉 Little moments matter. Your kids won’t remember a spotless house or how much money you make, but they will remember how you made them feel. Trust me. That will still stick with them long after you’re gone.

3. Ask for Help—And Accept It

If you’re struggling, you don’t have to do it alone. But asking for help can feel impossible, especially if you’ve convinced yourself you should be able to handle everything on your own. Unless you were bitten by a radioactive spider or rocketed here from Krypton, you’re not superhuman. Even Spider-Man had Mary Jane, and Superman had Lois Lane to lean on when things got tough!

Sorry for nerding out—but hey, even superheroes need a support system. So do you. ❤️

👥 Who can you lean on?

  • Your partner—Be honest about what you need.
  • Friends & family—Let them bring a meal or watch the kids for a break.
  • Other parents—Find a community where you can share openly.
  • Therapists or support groups—Talking to someone outside your circle can be life-changing.

I know—it’s hard. But asking for help isn’t a weakness. It’s one of the bravest things you can do for yourself and your family. I’ve done this so many times in my 11 years of being a mom. It’s simply a lifeline, a get-out-jail-free card, if you will, when you just need to be reminded, ‘I AM NOT ALONE!’.

4. Continue Parenting… But Take Care of Yourself—Even in Small Ways

Self-care often feels impossible when you’re struggling. But taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your kids.

Here’s how to sneak in self-care, even on your hardest days:
🛁 A five-minute shower with the door locked.
🎶 A playlist of songs that make you feel good.
☕ A hot cup of coffee (or tea) before everyone wakes up.
📖 Reading a few pages (or chapters) of a book after bedtime.
🚶 A short walk or a few deep breaths outside.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself helps you take care of them.

5. Be Honest with Your Kids (In an Age-Appropriate Way)

Kids notice when we’re struggling. They pick up on our stress, even when we think we’re hiding it. And while we don’t need to burden them with every detail, being open (at an appropriate level) helps them understand.

Otherwise, you will do things like snap at the next person that interrupts you. “For crying out loud, what could you possibly need!?”

💬 What you can say:

  • “Mommy’s feeling really tired today, but I love you so much.”
  • “Daddy had a hard day, so let’s have a quiet movie night together.”
  • “I’m feeling a little sad, but it’s okay. We all have tough days sometimes.”

Honesty helps kids develop emotional intelligence. It teaches them that feelings are normal and that struggles don’t mean love disappears. It also teaches them that when mommy and daddy do get overwhelmed, it’s not always because of something they did.

6. Remind Yourself: This Is a Season, Not Forever

When you’re in the middle of struggling, it feels never-ending. But every season—even the hard ones—comes to an end.

📌 Remind yourself:

  • You won’t feel this exhausted forever.
  • You will come through whatever it is you’re facing right now.
  • Your kids won’t always be this little (or this demanding).
  • You are not failing—you are doing your best.

Hold on. Keep going. You are stronger than you feel right now.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone

Parenting is hard, but parenting while struggling can feel impossible. I say this from the other side of one of the most stressful, heartbreaking, “I’m done with people and done with life” moments my husband and I have ever faced. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this—this too shall pass.

You are not alone. Whether you’re battling exhaustion, stress, anxiety, or just feeling overwhelmed, you are still a good parent.

Take a deep breath. Lower your expectations. Ask for help. And most importantly, give yourself the same grace you’d give a friend in your shoes.

If this post resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. How do you navigate parenting when you’re struggling? Follow us on Facebook, TikTok, and/or Instagram!

peace at home
Family Foundations

Creating Peace at Home: Turning Your House into a Sanctuary for Your Family

by Denise Wright

Introduction

Home should be more than just the place where we sleep, eat, and juggle the chaos of daily life—it should feel like a sanctuary. As parents, Matt and I know how challenging it can be to create peace at home, especially with kids, work, and an endless to-do list. But we’ve also learned that with a few intentional changes, it’s possible to build a space that feels calming, welcoming, and restorative for the whole family.

In this post, we’re sharing practical tips and insights from our own journey to make our home a place of peace. From managing the noise and clutter to creating moments of connection, these small changes can have a big impact on the way your family feels at home.

1. Start with Decluttering the Physical Space

It’s hard to feel peaceful when you’re surrounded by piles of stuff. One of the biggest things Matt and I have learned is that clutter isn’t just visual—it creates mental and emotional stress too.

We don’t have a Pinterest-perfect house by any means, but we’ve worked on minimizing the chaos by regularly decluttering. A great place to start is with the common areas: the kitchen, living room, and entryway. Once those spaces feel more open and organized, it’s amazing how much lighter the whole house feels.

💡 Practical Tip: Involve the kids in decluttering by turning it into a fun challenge. Who can fill a box of items to donate the fastest?

2. Prioritize Moments of Connection

Peace at home isn’t just about how a house looks—it’s about how it feels. And nothing creates a sense of calm like meaningful family connections. For us, this means carving out intentional time to connect with our kids, even if it’s just over dinner or playing video games with the kids after their schoolwork is completed.

Sometimes it’s as simple as turning off the TV and really listening to what the kids are saying. Other times, it’s planning a family movie night or taking a walk together. These small moments create a sense of belonging and stability that helps everyone feel more grounded.

3. Create Personal Spaces for Everyone

While we value togetherness, we’ve also learned that everyone needs a little personal space to recharge. For Matt, it’s his desk; for me, it’s a cozy corner with a comfy chair where I can game or work. The kids also have their own spaces where they can read, play, or unwind after a long day.

Having a designated spot for each family member to retreat to can work wonders for creating peace at home. It helps everyone recharge and prevents the whole family from getting overwhelmed by constant togetherness.

4. Add Calming Elements to Your Home

Sometimes, creating peace at home is as simple as changing the atmosphere. Adding soft lighting, calming scents, and cozy textures can completely transform the feel of a space.

We recently added a wax warmer to Matt’s desk that looks like a tiny fireplace, and it’s been such a simple but effective way to create a relaxing vibe. Whether it’s lighting a candle, playing soft background music, or investing in a fluffy throw blanket for the couch, these small touches make a big difference.

5. Establish a Routine That Works for Your Family

Chaos often sneaks into our home when there’s a lack of structure. While we’re not sticklers for a rigid schedule, having a flexible routine helps keep the day-to-day manageable and creates a sense of predictability for everyone.

For example, we’ve established simple morning and evening routines that help set the tone for the day and wind everyone down at night. Knowing what to expect takes the guesswork out of daily life and creates a foundation of peace.

💡 Practical Tip: Start small. Even a 5-minute family check-in at the end of the day can help everyone feel more connected and calm.

6. Model Peaceful Behavior

We’ve learned the hard way that our kids mirror what they see. If Matt and I are constantly stressed, snapping at each other, or rushing from one task to the next, that energy trickles down to the kids, fast.

Instead, we’ve been trying to model calm behavior (as much as possible). This means taking a breath before responding, using kind tones even when we’re frustrated, and showing the kids how we handle stress in healthy ways.

7. Celebrate the Small Wins

Creating peace at home is a process, not an overnight transformation. Celebrate the little victories along the way, whether it’s a decluttered corner, a smooth bedtime routine, or a day when everyone manages to stay calm and connected.

We’ve found that celebrating these small wins helps us stay motivated and reminds us why we’re making these changes in the first place—to create a home where everyone feels loved, supported, and at peace.

Conclusion: Building Peace at Home Takes Intention

Creating a home that feels like a sanctuary doesn’t mean having a perfectly decorated house or a stress-free life. It’s about making intentional choices that bring calm, connection, and joy into your space.

By decluttering, prioritizing family time, and adding little touches of calm, you can transform your house into a place where your family can recharge and grow together. Remember, peace at home isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels safe, loved, and at ease.

What’s one step you can take today to create more peace at home? Let us know! And if you’re looking for more tips and insights, subscribe below to Our Family Experiment for updates and exclusive content.

Message us on Facebook and/or TikTok for more relatable parenting advice and ideas to bring more calm into your family life.

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Family Foundations

What I Wish I Knew About Parenthood Before Becoming a Parent

by Denise Wright

Parenthood 101

Parenthood is a wild, beautiful, and often unpredictable journey. Before becoming a parent, I had plenty of expectations about what raising children would look like. Some of those expectations were accurate, but most were, well, completely off. Nothing fully prepares you for the emotional rollercoaster, the sleepless nights, or the indescribable joy that comes with the journey.

If I could go back in time and have a conversation with my pre-parent self, there’s so much I’d want to share—lessons learned through mistakes, unexpected triumphs, and the beautiful messiness of parenthood. While it’s true that no one gets it perfect, having some insights beforehand could have made the transition a little smoother.

Before writing this post, I sat down with Matt and asked him what he wished he had known before becoming a dad. Together, we reflected on the lessons we’ve learned along the way. In this post, I’m sharing what both Matt and I wish we had known about parenthood before becoming parents—from the sleepless nights to the everyday joys—and how this journey has shaped our lives in ways we never imagined.

1. Parenthood Redefines Exhaustion (and Joy)

When I asked Matt about the biggest adjustment to sleepless nights and long days, his answer was straightforward: “Having to provide for a kid who couldn’t do anything for himself.” For me, it was the constant worry that I was doing everything wrong or making all the wrong decisions. I quickly learned to trust my instincts when Ethan developed pyloric stenosis at just six weeks old—a moment that taught me the importance of listening to my gut as a parent.

The responsibility of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming. Knowing that someone is entirely dependent on you is both humbling and exhausting. But alongside the hard work comes moments of joy that make it all worthwhile. Watching your child grow, smile, and eventually give you a hug are the priceless moments that redefine what joy means in parenthood.

2. You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out

Matt thought he’d naturally be great at giving advice to his kids. Instead, he’s discovered that it’s something he’s still learning. “Kids don’t always want answers,” he admitted, “and sometimes, I’m not sure what the right advice is.”

We often tell our kids, “We’ve never been the parents of an 11-year-old and an 8-year-old before. Have patience with us as we figure it all out.” And that’s exactly how we came up with the name for our blog and podcast. Parenthood really is one big experiment—trial, and error, and everything in between. Sorry, kids!

Parenthood has shown us that it’s okay not to have all the answers. What matters is being present, listening, and showing your kids that you’re willing to learn and grow alongside them. And when we make mistakes… we have gotten pretty good at letting them know and when necessary, apologizing for making said mistakes.

We explore this topic in much greater detail in our eBook, Parenting Without a Playbook: Grace, Not Perfection. And the best part? We’re giving it away for free to our subscribers! Just enter your email below, hit subscribe, and we’ll send the PDF straight to your inbox shortly after.

3. The Little Things Matter the Most

When I asked Matt about moments that make him feel like he’s doing something right as a dad, his answer was simple: “When they come up and hug me, or I see Ethan open a door for somebody.” I’d have to agree with this one 100%! I love it when the kids come to sit next to me for cuddles or just to ask me how my day is going or how I’m feeling.

Those small acts of kindness and love are a testament to the values we’re instilling in our kids. Watching them demonstrate empathy and respect in their everyday lives is one of the most rewarding parts of parenthood. It’s a reminder that the little things—like modeling kindness and giving hugs—really do make a difference.

4. Comparison is the Thief of Joy

Like many parents, Matt admitted that he still compares himself to other dads. “I still do,” he said. And honestly, what parent doesn’t?

It’s easy to fall into this trap, especially when social media often highlights picture-perfect parenting moments. But parenthood isn’t a competition. It’s about doing what works best for your family and focusing on the values you want to instill in your kids. Letting go of comparison is an ongoing process, but it’s worth the effort for your peace of mind and your family’s happiness.

5. Your Identity Will Shift—and That’s Okay

When I asked Matt how becoming a dad changed him, his answer was straightforward and to the point: “More responsibilities.”

Parenthood shifts your identity in profound ways. For Matt, taking on the role of provider, protector, and mentor has brought a new level of accountability and purpose. While the added responsibilities can feel heavy at times, they’ve also given him a deeper sense of fulfillment and pride in being a dad.

For me, becoming a mom was something I had dreamed about since my early teenage years. I absolutely adored my sister’s girls and couldn’t wait for the day I’d have children of my own. I was the teenage girl who always wanted to help young moms with their babies and toddlers. Whether it was volunteering to teach or watching the kids during events, I jumped at the opportunity—not out of obligation, but because I genuinely loved spending time with them.

I laugh at that now, of course, because nothing fully prepares you for having kids of your own. Parenting is a whole different ballgame when you’re on call 24/7, managing the chaos, the mess, and the endless energy. Don’t get me wrong—I love my kids with all my heart, but I’ve also learned to love and appreciate the breaks. Those quiet moments when you can finally breathe and recharge are just as vital to being a good parent as the time spent pouring into your kids.

Parenthood is beautiful and challenging in equal measure. It changes you in ways you don’t expect, and while it’s everything I dreamed of, I’ve also learned the importance of finding balance and giving myself grace along the way.

6. Asking for Help is a Strength, Not a Weakness

One of Matt’s most honest—and funniest—reflections came when I asked if there was ever a time he realized he needed help as a parent. Without missing a beat, he took me back to the early days of parenthood and made me laugh: “We’re pregnant. What do we do now?”

Classic Matt. That single question perfectly summed up the mix of excitement and sheer panic we both felt in those early days. Asking for help during those uncertain times took humility (and a bit of bravery), but it also brought much-needed guidance and reassurance.

Parenthood is a team effort, and seeking support—whether it’s from family, friends, or professionals—doesn’t make you weak. It shows that you’re willing to put your family’s well-being first, even if it means admitting you don’t have all the answers. And let’s be honest—none of us do! Sometimes, all you can do is ask the question, take a deep breath, and figure it out one step at a time.

7. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

One of Matt’s proudest moments as a dad is watching Ethan open doors for strangers. “We’ve often been complimented on it by people,” he shared.

Parenthood isn’t about striving for perfection; it’s about celebrating the small wins. Seeing our kids display kindness and respect, even in seemingly minor ways, is a reminder that we’re making progress as parents. Those moments, no matter how small they seem, deserve to be celebrated.

Conclusion: What We’ve Learned About Parenthood

Parenthood has taught Matt and me more about patience, grace, and the art of not losing our minds than we ever thought possible. It’s not an easy journey, but it’s packed with moments that make the chaos and hard days worth it—like when the kids hug you for no reason… or finally remember to flush the toilet.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that parenthood is less about having it all figured out and more about figuring it out as you go. It’s messy, unpredictable, and humbling—like stepping on Legos at midnight—but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. And hey, if the kids end up in therapy one day, at least we can say we tried our best!

If you enjoyed reading about Matt’s perspective on parenthood, subscribe to Our Family Experiment for more real-life parenting stories and tips. Don’t forget to grab your FREE eBook, Parenting Without a Playbook: Grace, Not Perfection, when you sign up!

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Faith and Family

5 Ways to Stay Grounded During Parenting Challenges

by Denise Wright

Parenting is one of life’s greatest joys, but it’s also one of its toughest challenges. There are days when nothing seems to go as planned—tantrums erupt, schedules fall apart, and patience is tested to its limits. Staying grounded during parenting challenges is crucial for your peace of mind and your family’s well-being. Here are five tips we try to follow to help navigate the tough times with grace and resilience.

1. Start with Self-Care to Stay Grounded in Parenting

It’s easy to put yourself last when juggling the demands of family life. However, neglecting self-care can leave you feeling drained and overwhelmed. Even small steps like walking, journaling, or spending five quiet minutes can make a big difference. And let’s be honest—we’ve all escaped to the bathroom behind a locked door at least once! We parents do what we gotta do to stay grounded in parenting. Am I right?

The truth is, you can’t pour from an empty cup. If your cup is empty, no one is going to be happy.

Tip for parents: Schedule self-care moments like an appointment you can’t miss. When you care for yourself, you’ll be better equipped to tackle parenting challenges.

2. Lean on Your Support System

Parenting isn’t meant to be done alone. A spouse, family member, friend, or fellow parent can be invaluable when you need advice or simply a listening ear.

I’ll admit, as a wife and mother, it’s not always easy to be on the listening end when my spouse vents. I’ve failed countless times by taking his words too personally. But I’ve learned that he needs the same things I do—grace, understanding, and a safe space to say, “I’m overwhelmed, overstimulated, and overworked.”

Stay grounded: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s delegating tasks or venting to someone who understands, leaning on others can lighten the load.

3. Focus on What You Can Control

Parenting throws curveballs—unexpected meltdowns missed appointments, or sudden changes in plans. Instead of stressing over what’s out of your control, focus on what you can manage.

For example, you might not be able to stop your child’s tantrum immediately, but you can control your response—calm and empathetic instead of reactive.

I often remind myself that kids are still learning how to handle their emotions and anxieties. I’m almost 35 years old, and I’m still learning how to cope with my anxieties. Our kids deserve the same respect we demand from them.

Just today, my kids were arguing over something trivial because neither was truly listening to the other. I finally said, “Guys, slow down and listen to each other. You’re making a big deal out of nothing. It’s called respect—try it.”

Parenting challenges become less overwhelming when you focus on your actions rather than the external chaos.

4. Practice Gratitude in the Chaos

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to lose sight of the good. Taking a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for can shift your perspective. Gratitude doesn’t erase challenges, but it helps you focus on the bigger picture.

I often watch my kids and reflect on growing up with my brothers. After losing my older brother when I was nine, I tell my kids often, “What I’d give for just one more minute with him. Don’t waste time arguing over things that won’t matter tomorrow.”

At the end of the day, family is what matters most. Challenges are just a part of life, but we have so much to be thankful for.

Tip for parents: Keep a gratitude journal. Jot down three things each day that brought you joy, no matter how small. For example:

  1. I had an amazing sandwich at lunch.
  2. The kids and I shared a hilarious moment of uncontrollable laughter.
  3. I spent a peaceful moment admiring the twinkling lights on the Christmas tree.

5. Turn to Faith and Reflection to Stay Grounded in Parenting

For many parents, faith provides strength during hard times. Prayer, meditation, or reading scripture can bring peace amidst the chaos and help keep you grounded in parenting. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Even on the hardest days, your efforts are building a foundation for your child’s future.

If you’re unsure how to lean on faith or want to learn more about having a relationship with God, we’d love to help. Reach out to us—we’d be honored to walk with you on this journey.

Stay grounded: Reflect on the values you want to instill in your children. If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.

Remember, Challenges Are Temporary

No matter how tough parenting feels right now, it won’t last forever. By staying grounded, you’ll help yourself and model resilience for your kids. Parenting challenges test us, but they also provide opportunities for growth and deeper connection.

What’s Your Go-To Tip?
How do you stay grounded during parenting challenges? We’d love to hear your insights—share them with us at contact@ourfamilyexperiment.com!