Easing Overwhelm in the Family:
There’s No Place Like Home

We all can get overwhelmed occasionally, largely due to the demands of everyday life weighing upon us. There are many things to do and accomplish to keep up. In the chaotic world you live in, there is a place of refuge where peace and serenity reside, a place where you can find comfort and re-energize to prepare for future challenges – your home.

What if you walk through your home and instead you feel like walking amid chaos? It can be the bills piling up, clutter, the floor needing a mopping, heaps of laundry, or your toddler crying. In between, there may be school projects to get done, meals to cook, a house to clean, and children to get ready for school.  Add to these yet more stressors, whether relationship issues, sibling conflict, or other home obligations, and you have a recipe for overwhelm.  However, a common mistake is to believe that you can do it all and to even feel guilty in saying you cannot or do not want to.

Parenting Burnout

You are not alone!  Many parents complain about feeling overwhelmed and overburdened by the relentless stream of obligations and pressures at home. The fatigue that accompanies parenthood may not always be easy or something you’re excited about.  It is, nevertheless, a legitimate daily struggle for many parents. As there are people who can experience burnout from their jobs, exhausted parents are experiencing burnout syndrome, as well.

In the parental context, the range of overwhelm can come in different forms, but is not limited to physical exhaustion, boredom, frustration, burnout feeling, and defeat. It is, of course, possible to feel one or two, or even a combination of these.  Considering the demands of parenthood that we often count on coming naturally, the responsibility can leave you feeling powerless, hopeless, defeated and unable to find an approach to face its challenges.

Parenting in the Modern Age

Modern-day parents are under so much pressure to provide a good home for their children.  On top of this, social media can conjure images that do not truly depict what families are going through daily. It can easily be said that; today’s parents are facing many hurdles.  Family counselors suggest that the key to being a “good parent” is the demonstration of care, love, and support for your children. You do not necessarily have to be a superhero.

The effort to provide the best experience for your children, you can, may be overwhelming.  It is important to take a break and have some time for yourself to keep your inner peace. Achieving a relative balance between fulfilling the needs of your family and taking care of yourself can prove beneficial for all.

Parenting is one of the most challenging and time-consuming roles a person can have. On top of attending to the daily needs of the children, there are generally other responsibilities parents are accountable for. While doing this, it may also be challenging to maintain a strong relationship with your spouse and to maintain a social life with friends. Parents experiencing various issues, such as finances or health, may find it stressful and difficult to meet the demands of parenthood. It is understandable to become overwhelmed by the enormity this important task and to recognize that getting the support of a counselor can be extremely helpful.

The Quest of Trying to Be the Perfect Parent

 The pressure to be a perfect parent can sometimes backfire, as the desire to be flawless can actually weaken your parenting skills. There is no shame in admitting you may need more hands to meet the demands of everything at home.

Constant bickering in the family can be a struggle, as you try to maintain peace in your household. You can feel your energy rapidly draining when obstinate behavior from your young children arise. Your distressing experiences may also involve a rebellious teenager who seems moody, withdrawn or upset. You may also be worried about other challenges of today; such as their experimenting with alcohol or drugs.

Added to this, you and your spouse may not have the same parenting style. If you are separated or divorced, communication about children’s issues may often be argumentative. When confronted with stressful family issues, it is not uncommon to feel emotionally and physically overwhelmed. Feeling overwhelmed is an internal sign that serves as a reminder that you may be doing too much. It is important to slow down at times. If not, anxiety awaits to steal your joy. That is not how parenthood is meant to be.

Seeking Family Counseling to Cut Back the Feeling

Feeling overwhelmed, whether physically or emotionally, can lead to many health problems, such as body pains, hypertension, heart disease, ulcers, overeating, etc. Trying to fulfill your responsibilities and taking on more than you can will likely lead to a decreased effectiveness in how you run your home.  A major problem with most overwhelmed people is that they feel they just can’t cut back to get everything done that needs to get done. Once you find yourself in this tough spot, you may lose the energy to bring the change necessary to make your home a nice refuge of peace and comfort.

If you are feeling overwhelmed and helpless, you are not alone. Many families are experiencing the same challenges of living together.  While you cannot completely remove all the stressors in your home, you may certainly find it helpful to seek guidance from a third party. Asking for help can be humbling, it may seem unlike the response of a “perfect parent.”  Picking up the phone and asking for help, can be a great moment of courage. It may be time to claim this victory for yourself and for your family.

Whether your family is in the midst of conflict, experiencing challenging behaviors, or having communication problems, the right fit family counselor independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Sanford, NC can help you or other family members ease the feelings of overwhelm.  Family counseling can help you in enjoying parenting and life simultaneously. It can provide the tools to help you face the challenges that come with raising a family and keeping relationships strong.

Seeking family counseling when you feel overwhelmed in the family can be the first proactive step to make your household become the place where you, your spouse, and your children want to come home to.  Everyone can begin to be happier and enjoy each other’s company more, with much less struggle.  Call Carolina Counseling Services – Sanford, NC today to schedule your first session of family counseling!

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