7 Reasons Why Parenting Feels so Overwhelming

If you’ve ever found yourself standing in the kitchen, staring at the pile of washing, the letters that need responding to, the cold cup of tea you’ve reheated three times… and wondered, “Why does this feel like so much?”
You’re certainly not the only one thinking that. Every parent has been there - we definitely have.

Modern parenting is overwhelming - not because you're doing it wrong, not because you’re not coping, but because the load parents carry today is enormous.

And most of it is invisible.

In this blog, we want to talk honestly about why so many parents feel stretched thin, mentally overloaded, and constantly “behind” even when they’re doing everything possible for their family.

Because parenting shouldn’t feel like a secret struggle everyone is quietly battling through on their own.

With that said, here are 7 reasons why parenting feels so overwhelming

1. Parenting is mentally relentless

You don’t just look after your children.
You think for them.
Plan for them.
Worry for them.
Remember everything for them.

That’s the mental load.

And if you’ve ever thought to yourself: “I need a PA for my kids.”, “Why can I remember the PE kit but forget my own lunch?”, “Why does my brain feel like 47 tabs are open?”

…that’s exactly why.

Research has shown that parents today carry an emotional and organisational burden heavier than previous generations simply due to the sheer number of things we’re expected to track.

School letters.
Nursery messages.
Medical appointments.
Developmental milestones.
Changes to best practices.
Being emotionally “on” for your children.
Being financially responsible.
Being socially available.
Being the main contact for EVERYTHING.

It’s no wonder people feel overwhelmed.
This is a full-time job on top of a full-time job.

2. Childcare Admin: The Hidden Job No One Gets Paid For

Between the two of us, our notifications today alone included:

• Two school texts

• One email about costume day

• A reminder about a trip

• A payment request

• A PTA message

• Two nursery updates

• One birthday party RSVP that we forgot to reply to… again

You could be the most organised person in the world and STILL feel behind.

The admin of raising children today is huge and often lands on parents in the busiest part of their lives.

It’s stressful because it’s constant.
It’s unpredictable.
And it never ends. Especially the school WhatsApp group which seems to be active all. bloody. night!

3. The Work-Life-Parenting Juggle Is Not Sustainable

We have both changed our career because it simply wasn’t sustainable around school and nursery life.

Between:

• Sick days

• Inset days

• Early finishes

• Childcare costs

• Commutes

• Work deadlines

• And the pull to be present at home

…it eventually becomes a maths equation that just doesn’t add up.

And it’s not just mums.

More dads than ever are openly saying they feel stretched thin, guilty, torn between roles, overwhelmed, unsure how to juggle their own mental load

Parenting is no longer “mum handles home, dad handles work”.
Parents are trying to share the mental load but no one has taught either parent how to do it.

It’s hard because it is hard. Not because you’re weak.

4. Losing Your Identity (And Wondering Where It Went)

This one cuts deep for many parents.

Becoming a parent changes everything - including how you see yourself.

What no one talks about is that sometimes, you don’t just “grow” into parenthood.
You shed old versions of yourself, sometimes faster than you can adjust.

Suddenly your:

• free time

• hobbies

• career identity

• social life

• confidence

• spontaneity

…all shrink.

Friends who once were very present in your life slowly float away as you navigate different stages of life. But you gain new friends, friends with a common ground and your little ones make their own friends who come into your lives.

It’s no wonder so many parents say they feel lost emotionally, socially, and practically.

Identity doesn’t just “bounce back” after babies.
It shifts. It evolves. Sometimes painfully slowly.

And there’s nothing wrong with you for finding that part challenging.

5. The Social Pressure Is Wild (And the WhatsApp Groups Aren’t Helping)

Let’s list the things parents are expected to keep up with:

• birthday parties

• playdates

• baby groups

• after-school clubs

• WhatsApp groups for EVERYTHING

• social comparisons online

• “best practice” advice

• behaviour expectations

• dietary expectations

• screen time rules

• and 1,000 conflicting opinions
  

It’s exhausting.
It’s confusing.
And it’s overwhelming. There is so much noise out there and I we haven't even mention the awful online trolls who love to tell you you're doing everything wrong no matter what you do...

6. The Cost of Parenting Is Sky High

From childcare to school trips, clubs, shoes, uniforms, food, petrol, heating, holidays, and “surprise” expenses every week…

No forgetting everything children seen online, on TV, on the perfectly-eye-level-to-children shelves in the supermarket which of course they want NOW or put on their ever growing Christmas list.

The financial pressure on parents right now is enormous.

Money worries = increased mental load.
Increased mental load = overwhelm.
Overwhelm = burnout.

It’s all connected.

7. And Then There’s the Lack of a Village…

We were never meant to raise children alone.

Human beings always lived in communities, with shared childcare, shared emotional support, and shared wisdom.

Now?

Most parents say they feel more isolated than ever - even when surrounded by people because there simply isn't the connection.

No wonder it feels like you’re drowning some days.
Parenthood was never designed to be a solo experience.

So What Do You Do With All This Overwhelm?

This is exactly why we're creating Creating Dreams Parents Hub.

Not because we think parents aren’t coping but because parents shouldn’t have to cope alone.

We're building:

• a place where expert advice is trustworthy and easy to find
  

• a space parents can turn to when they’re unsure
  

• a supportive online village
  

• somewhere that feels calm in the chaos

• somewhere that simply gets it
  

Because parenting comes with enough noise, pressure and overwhelm.

You deserve clarity.
You deserve support.
You deserve connection.

And that’s what the hub is here for.

Join the mailing list HERE to be the first to hear about what is happening in the hub. There is a lot being developed and grown in the background 👀

Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Better Than You Think

If parenting feels overwhelming, it’s because you care

You are:

• showing up

• figuring it out

• adapting

• caring

• loving

• learning

• doing your absolute best

And that matters more than anything else.