Let’s talk about the exhausting mental gymnastics parents—especially mothers—perform daily just to get their kids to do literally anything.
It’s not just asking your child to get dressed. It’s pretending to be a fashion show host, or a race car pit crew, or singing a song about socks so they’ll put them on without a meltdown. It’s crafting every request in just the right tone, with just enough playfulness, to make it feel like their idea. It’s making a game out of brushing teeth, turning clean-up time into a race, and selling broccoli like it’s a limited-edition snack. And when you finally get them out the door in shoes that almost match, you’re already mentally drained—and it’s only 8 a.m.
Let’s face it: even when our children aren’t melting down or yelling “you’re not the boss of me,” parenting is still… a lot.
It’s not just the physical demands. It’s the emotional labor. The constant calculations of how to phrase something to avoid a power struggle. The back-and-forth of wondering, “Do I push this or let it go?” The decision fatigue. The effort of being creative and fun and calm and educational all day long.
And if you’re feeling tired—even on the days when no one screams and everyone gets to school on time—you’re not alone.
It’s okay that it’s hard. It’s okay that you’re tired.
I don’t have a magic solution, because honestly? This is just part of the job. And I do believe that, in the long run, creativity and flexibility often lead to better cooperation and fewer battles. But that doesn’t mean it’s always doable.
Some days, you’ll have the energy to sing the sock song. Other days, it’s just “Put your shoes on. Because I said so.”
And both are okay.
The truth is, you don’t have to be perfect every time. You’re doing a good job if you show up with love. You’re doing a good job if you’re trying your best—and even when your best looks like just getting everyone out the door in one piece.
So here’s your reminder:
You’re not failing if you’re exhausted.
You’re not alone if the mental gymnastics feel never-ending.
And whether your parenting today looks like playful strategies or tired commands—you’re doing great.