Every parent right now is feeling it. Life is hard when you’re stuck at home with one, two, four kids.. It feels like a circus. You’re bribing your kids to attend class, managing work-from-home, and trying to keep everyone fed and laundered.

Breaks are few and far between and mental health is at a premium. How on earth are you supposed to keep it together without your usual supports and connections?

Truly, you can’t keep doing this.

The pandemic lifestyle is not sustainable. We all want it to be over with so we can feel healthy and normal again. But some of the effects of Covid will carry on when lockdowns are lifted. Some have lost loved ones and the grief will continue. Some have developed chronic anxiety and returning to public spaces will be difficult. Many have developed substance dependency. Many have buckled under stress and anger towards family members.

Bottom line: nobody’s mental health is the same as it was pre-Covid.

When I was in college there were a pair of moms in our townhouse complex who would sit in the garage every night and have a beer together. At the time I thought their ritual was cute. But now, several kids later, I know it was their lifeline. Every day is hard when you’re a parent. And every parent feels the need to debrief, be heard, and feel affirmed.

There really aren’t any quick fixes to make it easier.

Take a break if you can. Do what you can to keep the peace at home. And if you’re running out of steam, I’m here to help. Whether you just need to vent or if you need parenting strategies, I’d love to hear from you.

Debbie is a parenting therapist in Barrie. To book a session you can use our online booking platform by clicking here.