No matter how much you love being a parent, there can be days when you’re overwhelmed by the demands of life, such as your job, and your family, but you feel the need to keep going rather than admit you might need to talk to someone about your anxiety. Or perhaps you’re a new parent and you’re worried that you don’t quite have the hang of this “parenting” thing and are embarrassed to ask for help.
This hesitation to ask for help — whether it’s simple advice or support from other parents in your community — can build up to have negative effects on both your well-being and your relationship with your kids. There might come a time that you realize you need to ask for help, for both your own happiness and that of your children.
Knowing When You Need To Ask For Help
For many people who take pride in their independence and competence, it can be tough to admit that they might need help occasionally epically with their children. It can still be difficult to let go of the stubborn attitude that you can do everything, especially when you want to show your kids that you’re capable of taking care of them by yourself. And once you pile on a refusal to admit to others that you need either mental or physical support, the stress can increase.
If you’re in a scenario where you have a single-parent household, you’re very likely juggling the needs of your children, work, and anything else that might come up unexpectedly. You might not have any family close by who can lend a hand, and you might not be on the best terms with your former partner. Yet continuing to go it alone and not asking for either physical or emotional assistance could take a toll on both you and your kids. Being overly stressed about your parenting situation isn’t something to ignore – instead, it’s important to know when to ask for help.
The Benefits of Help – And Where to Get It
First, it’s important to know that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, and doesn’t make you a bad parent. Feeling overwhelmed is completely normal. Admitting that you need help occasionally, and that maybe you don’t have all the answers is a positive step in the right direction.
For psychological help, it’s good to first admit to yourself that you don’t need to struggle through your parental anxieties alone. It can be beneficial to talk to other parents in a similar situation. If you have the option, communicating with people who’ve been in your position can go a long way towards helping you normalize your own fears and anxieties about parenting. If you don’t have someone to talk to in your area, try looking for community gatherings or even parental support groups online.
Other great sources for emotional support and parenting advice are pediatricians, teachers, or counselors. Although the idea of seeking help from a psychiatrist could seem intimidating, taking care of your mental well-being is important for yourself and your children.
For physical support, start looking into childcare workers, daycare, or even part-time help around the house. “Parent support comes to us from family, friends, babysitters, daycare workers, neighbors, playdate groups, parent support groups, and anyone who gives us help with basic caretaking responsibilities,” says The Successful Parent. There are many resources available to you when it comes to sharing child care responsibilities, so don’t be afraid to ask for extra help. It doesn’t take away what you’re capable of as a parent; if anything, it will allow you more time and energy to be the best parent you can be.
How Soberlink can Take Away Some of the Stress
For those single parents taking care of their children alone, having an ex-partner watch the kids for a day might not be an option due to alcohol addiction. With Soberlink, parents struggling with alcoholism can prove their sobriety, giving the other parent peace of mind that their children are safe. Soberlink’s goal is to improve lives, and with real-time results, families can come closer together knowing that their parent or ex-spouse is a relabel source.
To find out more information visit www.soberlink.com.
About the Author
Christie Hopkins has personal and professional ties to the Family Law industry. She has extensive experience working with families going through child custody disputes. Christie approached Family Law with attentiveness and care to ensure both parties feel valued and heard.