When you’re parenting, there can be times when everything feels too much. You might feel helpless or out of control, or like you can’t cope with your child anymore. This could be when you’re going through a big issue or perhaps lots of little things have built up.
When you notice these feelings, it can help to know what support is available for you.
When you’re struggling to cope, having a conversation can help you break down what’s going on and work out the next step you can take. It can be especially hard if you feel like you don’t have anyone to talk to, but if you can, try to identify someone you feel able to tell. This could be:
Think about what they might be able to help with. This might be finding and contacting support services if it feels too overwhelming for you to do it yourself. Or it might be someone who can help with childcare at short notice to give you a break.
It’s important you seek support if you’re having suicidal thoughts.
It’s not always easy to admit to yourself or other people when you feel like you can’t cope. Support services are there to help you, not judge you. Telling someone what you’re going through is the first step to getting support.
If you feel that you are at breaking point and are unable to look after your child, call 999 for a fast response.
Your local children’s services can also help keep you and your child safe. You can find their contact details including their out-of-hours number on your local council website. You might also be able to refer yourself for early help.
It’s normal for parents and carers to feel stressed at times. If you feel overwhelmed every day, you might have parental burnout. Burnout can leave you feeling physically exhausted, depressed or detached.
Read our advice on how to spot the signs and deal with parental burnout.
When you find your child’s behaviour challenging or out of control, it can have a big impact on you. You can get support if you’re affected by your child’s behaviour.
It can help to learn to understand and manage your child’s behaviour.
You can also get advice if you’re dealing with violent behaviour from your child or teenager.
Whether you’re a single parent or in a couple, difficult relationships can make parenting harder.
If you’re co-parenting, you might be dealing with feelings of anger in separation or divorce. You might need some co-parenting advice and support.
If you live with a partner, it can help to learn to manage arguments and disagreements about parenting styles.
You can also get support if your partner or co-parent is abusive.
When you’re facing extra challenges in your life, it can make parenting more difficult. There are support services that can help when you’re struggling.
If you’re struggling to support your family financially, this can affect your wellbeing and mental health. It can help to know what financial support is available and find ways to look after your mental health when you’re worried about money.
If you need support with housing, you can speak to Shelter on 0800 800 4444, or get advice and web chat support on the Shelter website.
If someone close to you has died, you can call Cruse on 0808 808 1677 or get bereavement support on the Cruse website.
This advice was written by our experienced Parent Talk coaches. Parent Talk is a free online service for parents and carers, provided by the charity Action for Children. For more advice, message our parenting coaches with our online chat.
