How to Help Overwhelmed Parents

Parents can quickly become overwhelmed with the tasks of daily living.

Parenting is a tough, stressful job, and all parents get overwhelmed at times. No parent can survive without occasional help from others. If you know someone who is parent, especially a new parent, offer your help and support when you recognize that she has become overwhelmed. Sometimes it's difficult to know how best to help, and convincing a proud parent to accept assistance can be difficult. But most likely, your stressed-out friend will appreciate your offer.

Instructions

1. Normalize what the parent is experiencing. Let him know that all of the parents you talk to occasionally get overwhelmed and that it's impossible to be a good parent all the time without reaching out for help. If you are a parent yourself, share similar experiences you have had. Share how you have been helpful to other parents in the past and what has been helpful for you, if applicable.

2. Allow the parent to vent. Sometimes just listening to an overwhelmed parent can be a tremendous stress release for her. Be understanding and ask for clarification when necessary but try not to judge or offer unsolicited advice.

3. Share resources if it appears the parent is overwhelmed due to lack of knowledge. Sometimes not knowing the best way to approach a parenting issue can cause stress. You can recommend support groups, parenting education classes or books that you or others you know have found helpful.

4. Offer to step in for the parent and provide child care to give her an opportunity to get out with other adults to socialize, take a yoga class or engage in any other activity that will give her a break. If you also have children, you can work out an arrangement to watch each other's children from time to time to give both of you a much-needed rest. Even cooking a dinner meal and bringing it to your friend's house can be a huge help to an overwhelmed parent.

References

• Channel3000.com: Child Abuse Experts Urge Overwhelmed Parents to Seek Support; April 2008
• Children's Trust Fund: The Importance of Parent Support; Sunindia Bhalla
• University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension: Single Parenting; April 2002

Resources

• Canopy Center: Parent Stressline
• HOPE: Helping Overwhelmed Parents Educate
• Parents Anonymous: Strengthening Families Around the World