Parenting Stress

Paul Dalton • May 1, 2019

Parenting Stress

Parenting stress can be very difficult to manage. If a parent says they never feel stressed out or frustrated by the kids, they are just not being truthful! It’s a tough job. Many parents feel like parenting is more demanding than their professional job. As a parent YOU have to be in good working order to be available the way you want to with you kids.

Here are some ideas for things that may help with stress management.

First, identify stress when it is happening. What are the things that intensify it? What are those that bring it down? Listen to your body when it is trying to tell you to slow down or to make different choices. Physical signs of stress can include: headaches, muscle tension, gastrointestinal problems, and intensification of existing health problems. Pay attention to those people in your life that may be giving you feedback about your stress level. Here is a place to find some more information about physical signs of stress: https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/restoring-families/parental-burnout/#:~:text=Irritability%20and%20frustration,of%20accomplishment%20related%20to%20parenting

Second, identify and access your support network. Find others that understand what you may be dealing with and could offer advice or support. Plug yourself into groups and activities that help support you as a parent.

Third, take time for self-care away from your kids…and work hard not to feel guilty about it! If you take time to take care of yourself you will be a better version of yourself. You will be better able to focus on investing in the parenting that you can feel good about at the end of the day. Remember they are watching what you do and emulating you so you want them to learn to take care of themselves, be happy, and be balanced.

Here is some more information about the power of modeling for children: https://www.verywellfamily.com/role-model-the-behavior-you-want-to-see-from-your-kids-1094785

If you need an uplifting video to help remind you of what kids needs to hear, check this out: https://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/every-child-needs

Sometimes if things are too out of balance you may need a bit of help to get things back on track. That’s where we can help. Counseling can help you guide things back into place. We provide all kinds of counseling and would be happy to help you find your way.

You can reach us at 859 338-0466 or you can find information and schedule an appointment 24/7 on our website at www.CounselingLexingtonKY.com .

Take some time to reduce stress so you can be present for all those wonderful moments with your kids. Parenting stress does not have to create an impasse or block your road to having a happy family.

Written by:

Laura Best, MSW, LCSW -Click for profile and more information on the author
Clinician and Manager
Frankfort Office

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Mail

How to Build Success When Recovering from Substance Use

By Chelsea Conner • August 14, 2025

Substance use is a growing health concern. 47.7 million Americans reported the use of illegal substances according to a study conducted in 2023 by The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. A Substance Use Disorder (SUD), defined by The American Psychiatric Association, is ‘a complex condition in which there is uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences.’ The American Psychiatric Association recognizes that someone who has a SUD has an intense urge to engage in any of the listed substances - alcohol, tobacco, or psychoactive substances that impact daily functioning, interpersonal relationships, and overall health. Another term well known for SUD is addiction. There is no single cause for a SUD but rather, a combination of factors can contribute to its development. Self-medication, genetics, peer pressure, curiosity, performance enhancement, and medical use turned misuse can all lead to someone engaging in problem use with substances and even addiction. Another study conducted in 2023 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, showed that 70% of people who sought out treatment for substance abuse/misuse reported improvements to their overall health and functioning within the first year of treatment. There are several available options for treatment, including outpatient care, intensive outpatient care, and in-patient care treatment. It is also important to have a collaborative approach when it comes to treatment for a SUD to have the best outcome, which can include medication management, individual therapy, group therapy, peer support, AA/NA meetings, sponsor, and a healthy support system within interpersonal relationships. It's important to remember that addiction is not a moral failing, it's a complex medical condition that can affect anyone. Compassion, understanding, and proper treatment are essential to recovery and can lead to successful outcomes. Some treatment modalities that have shown success in therapy when treating SUD include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Contingency Management (CM), Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and Motivational Interviewing (MI), as well as a facilitated 12 step program and a trauma focused lens. Whether you're concerned about your own substance use or worried about a loved one, help is available and healing is possible! Call our office at 859.338.0466 to schedule an appointment to work with one of our providers to start your healing journey to recovery. Our current offices are located in Lexington, Frankfort, and Richmond, KY. We have been trusted mental health professionals in Central Kentucky for over 22 years! Articles and Resources: https://drugabusestatistics.org/ https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/addiction-substance-use-disorders/what-is-a-substance-use-disorder https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6175215/ https://www.pyramid-healthcare.com/blog/2019/02/12/self-medication-and-addiction/ https://americanaddictioncenters.org/therapy-treatment