We have a friend with twin 3-year-old boys, a 5-month-old baby, and—just to round things out—a 2-year-old dog. The house is loud, busy, and honestly… a little chaotic most days. She made the decision to stay home full-time, and recently she shared something that many parents feel but don’t always say out loud: she’s struggling.

Between the constant noise, the needs, and the lack of quiet, she feels like she’s at the end of her rope.

If that’s you too, you’re not alone. And while there’s no perfect fix, there are a few reminders that can help steady things in the moment.

What to Remember in the Hard Moments

When everything feels overwhelming, sometimes it’s not about solving the whole situation that exact minute—it’s about getting through the next hour.

  • Remember today is not forever.
    This stage feels endless when you’re in it, but it won’t last. Kids grow, routines change, and what feels overwhelming now will look different in time.
  • Ask for help—even when it’s uncomfortable.
    Whether it’s a friend, family member, or neighbor, letting someone step in can make a real difference. You don’t have to carry it all alone. Maybe it’s watching the kids for one hour, or maybe you just need someone to help you do the yard work on Saturday. People LOVE HELPING the ones they love. Don’t be afraid to ask.
  • Lower the bar for the day.
    Not every day needs to be productive or picture-perfect. Sometimes success is just making it through.
  • Take small breaks when you can.
    Even a few quiet minutes can help reset your mindset.
  • Do some deep breathing.
    It may sound cliché, but breathing has been scientifically proven to (simply put) open back up the pathways in your brain that allow for rational thought. Sometimes our fight-or-flight nervous systems kick into such high gear that our brains bypass the rational side, in order to simply make it through the day. Deep breaths can help signal to our bodies that you’re SAFE, which allows that rational side to kick back in.
  • Pray, even if you have to pray out loud in front of those crazy hooligan children.
    Just pray to God, even the simplest prayer. It’s a way to remember that He’s there (especially when you feel like he isn’t) and to introduce your kids at a young age of what it looks like to rely on God in the crazy times.

Being “at the end of your rope” doesn’t mean you’re failing—it usually means you’ve been carrying a lot for a long time. Sometimes the strongest thing we can do is pause, take a breath, and let someone else help hold things for a while.