Why Parenting Is So Hard (And How Parent Counseling & Coaching Can Help!)

Parenting children is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world - and hands down one of the hardest. It’s not uncommon for parents to wonder, “Why does this feel so hard?”- because at times the challenges really can feel all-consuming.

The truth is: you’re not alone.

As a sports enthusiast, I often compare parenting to a game. Before having kids, many of us “watched from the sidelines.” Maybe we saw how our parents did it, babysat for a neighbor, or spent time with nieces and nephews. That’s like watching a sport on TV - it looks familiar, but it’s nothing like stepping onto the court and actually playing the game.

And just like in sports, you don’t play a game without practice. Athletes spend hours learning fundamentals before their first game: the rules, dribbling, passing, shooting. They also receive coaching and feedback to improve their skills. Still, when they step into their first live game, it feels overwhelming—faster and harder than expected.

Parenting works the same way. You might read books, take a class, or get a little “practice” before becoming a parent. But once you’re in the middle of sleepless nights, tantrums, school transitions, and big emotions - it can feel like you need extra parenting support just to keep up with the pace of the game.

When Parenting Feels Overwhelming

In those moments, you may have thought to yourself:

• “Why is this so hard?” (Because parenting stress is real.)

• “I feel like a bad parent.” (You’re not.)

• “I don’t know what to do anymore.” (That’s where support comes in!)

  
  

With my background in sports coaching, counseling, and child development, I’ve refined the way I approach both my professional work with children and my personal parenting.

I believe parents are essential in their child’s therapy. Parents and children together are the MVPs when it comes to creating meaningful, lasting change in mental health, wellness, and relationships. That’s why I integrate parent coaching with child therapy - because when the whole family or team learns strategies and skills, change happens, and it happens faster!

Just like in sports, it’s not just about knowing the strategies - it’s about having a solid game plan (lets call it a “parenting plan”) and how to implement them. And like any good team, having a coach to teach and encourage along the way makes all the difference.

How Parent Counseling and Coaching Can Help

Parent coaching gives allows parents to:

• Learn practical strategies for handling tantrums, sibling conflict, and school struggles.

  
  

• Understand your child’s development and behavior on a deeper level with effective parenting tools.

  
  

• Build confidence in your parenting decisions with the support of counseling and coaching.

  
  

• Be on the same page with one another - reducing stress and conflict between parents and feeling more like a cohesive team.

  
  

• Reduce stress and create more parent-child connection at home.

Final Thought

Parenting doesn’t have to feel as hard, as maybe it does now. With the right support, strategies and skills you can feel more confident, connected, and equipped for the challenges that come your way.

If you’re looking for parent coaching near me or counseling for parents and children ages 2–12, I’d love to help!

I work with parents and children ages 2–12, helping families build stronger connections and navigate challenges with confidence.

Contact me to schedule a consultation.