You’re Not Behind, You’re Just Tired: A Letter to the Overwhelmed Parent
A Personal Story
Last Tuesday, I sat on the couch staring at the pile of unfolded laundry on the coffee table. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to fold it — it was that my body felt heavy, like every muscle was whispering, “Not yet.” My to-do list had more unchecked boxes than checked ones, my phone buzzed with reminders, and I realized I hadn’t even had breakfast… and it was 2 p.m.
In that moment, I thought: “I’m falling behind.”
But here’s the truth I wish I could have whispered to myself right then — and the truth I want to whisper to you:
You’re not behind. You’re just tired. And tired people need care, not criticism.
5 Easy Steps to Support Yourself When You Feel Behind (And Why They Help)
These steps aren’t about “fixing” you. They’re about making space for your mind and body to catch up — without shame.
1. Stop Measuring Today by Yesterday
Why: Yesterday’s energy is gone. Comparing your current pace to a past version of yourself creates guilt, not motivation.
How: Wake up and set one small goal that feels doable in today’s reality, not yesterday’s highlight reel.
2. Give Your Brain a “Messy Five”
Why: Overwhelm stacks in our head like a messy junk drawer.
How: Take five minutes to brain dump — write, voice memo, or text yourself every single thing rattling around in your mind.
You’re not solving them yet, you’re just putting them somewhere else so your brain can rest.
3. Switch One “Should” to a “Could”
Why: “Should” adds pressure. “Could” adds possibility.
How: Instead of “I should cook dinner,” try “I could make sandwiches.”
One word swap can free you from all-or-nothing thinking.
4. Choose a Five-Minute Reset
Why: Your nervous system can’t problem-solve if it’s overloaded.
How: Do something simple and sensory — step outside, sip water slowly, stretch your arms, or light a candle.
This tells your body, “We’re safe. We can slow down.”
5. Ask for Help Before You Think You’ve Earned It
Why: We often wait until we’re drowning to wave for help. That’s too late.
How: Text a friend: “I don’t need advice, but could you just tell me I’m doing okay?”
You’re allowed to need support before it’s an emergency.
A Loving Message to Squish
Squish,
If you’re reading this one day, I want you to remember something: life isn’t about keeping up — it’s about keeping you. If you feel tired, it doesn’t mean you’re lazy or less than. It means your body is asking for a pause, and that’s not weakness — it’s wisdom. I hope you grow up knowing that rest is a part of strength, and that asking for help is something brave people do. I hope you never measure your worth by your productivity, but by how gently you treat yourself when things feel heavy.
Love Always,
Mom and Dad
5 Helpful Things from Amazon
(Affiliate Disclosure: This post uses affiliate links. We may make money if you click on a link and purchase, at no extra charge to you. We only recommend products we personally believe in and use in our own home.)
Weighted Blanket – For deeper rest and calmer evenings.
Desk-Size Essential Oil Diffuser – A small, affordable way to create a calming space anywhere.
Guided Journal for Busy Parents – Just a few prompts a day to keep you connected to yourself.
Noise-Canceling Earbuds – For those rare five minutes of quiet when you need them most.
Soft, Oversized Cardigan – A wearable reminder that comfort matters.
Mindful Final Thoughts
Friend, you’re not behind. You’re human. And sometimes humans get tired. Today, give yourself permission to do one thing that feels like kindness. Whether it’s sitting with a cup of tea, leaving the dishes for later, or sending that “just thinking of you” text — let that be enough.
If this letter spoke to you, share it with another parent who might need the reminder. We’re not meant to carry it all alone — and we’re certainly not meant to rush while carrying it.
