Parenting is hard. It always has been. But these days, many moms and dads are feeling more helpless than ever. It’s a challenging job, one with lots of new pressures, expectations, and unknowns.
I wanted to know what exactly is stressing our parents out, so I asked some on social media. Here are 10 surprising reasons they feel powerless and unheard in their roles.
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Technology moves too fast
Kids are on the Internet all the time, and new apps, websites, and games come out constantly. Parents sometimes feel like they can’t keep up or understand what their children are being exposed to. It’s frustrating when you’re trying to lead them to safety but don’t even understand their world.
Friends influence more than parents
Regardless of how much we explain or reason with children, kids still tend to value what their friends say more than what their parents do. It’s aggravating to watch them imitate behaviors and ideas you might not agree with.
Too many opinions
Books, blogs, relatives, and Internet “experts” all have advice and their opinions usually conflict. Someone tells you to be a tyrant; another says you should be more laid back. Parents feel like they are being pulled in a hundred different directions and end up second-guessing all their decisions, even the little ones.
Feeling compared to “perfect” families
Browsing on social media or observing other families can create a sense of lagging behind, even when parents are giving their best.
Schools are a closed fortress
There are times when the school makes choices we don’t agree with: the amount of homework, regulations, or institutional policies. You can voice your concerns, but your impact is limited, leaving you powerless. Observing your child face consequences you don’t align with is frustrating.
Kids’ moods are unpredictable
Children can go from being happy to irritable in seconds, and parents don’t always know how to react. Feeling powerless comes from wanting to help but not knowing how, especially when emotions feel bigger than their age.
Too little quality time
Between work, housework and errands, it can be difficult to give kids quality time. Even when you’re together, you can feel rushed. You feel guilty that you’re not making a difference.
No parenting book can prepare you for every child
Something that works with one child may be a disaster with another. Each child is different, and a lot of trial and error can be discouraging. It’s frustrating when you feel like you have no control and nothing you try works.
Big world problems worry parents
Economic problems, safety issues or a worldwide crisis can leave you feeling that you can’t protect your children from everything. It’s scary and frustrating to face problems that are out of your control, such as online threats, bullying or the environment.
Kids grow up fast
Kids become independent and make their own choices. They question rules. Parents feel powerless as the rules they relied on before seem less important now. It’s hard to know how to let go and yet still be supportive.
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