When Parenting Feels Hard: Healthy, Faith-Based Strategies to Reconnect & Recharge

Parenting is a blessing. Children are a blessing. But let’s be honest—it doesn’t always feel that way. Some days, the struggles of raising kids can leave us drained, disconnected, and questioning how to cope without resorting to screens, drugs, alcohol, or other unhealthy defaults at the end of the day.

As Christian parents, we’re called to lead with love, patience, and grace, but what happens when we feel like we’re barely holding it together? If you’ve been there, you’re not alone. Read on for an honest reflection on the challenges of parenting and practical, faith-based strategies for coping that have come out of conversations in my DM's.

Acknowledging the Struggle

Let’s start here: parenting is hard. It’s okay for us to admit that. While children are a gift from the Lord, the daily grind can make that truth (that we know in our hearts) feel far away. God doesn’t ask us to sugarcoat our struggles; He invites us to lean on Him. When parenting rarely feels like a blessing, maybe we need to refocus on the “why.” We’re not just raising kids for this life—we’re preparing them for eternity. Keeping this perspective can reframe the hard moments and give us the strength to persevere.

Healthy Coping Strategies for Parents

After the kids are in bed and the chaos of the day is behind us, what can we do to come down, reconnect, reform, recenter, repair? Here are practical ideas that have been shared with me:

1. Build Intentional Evening Routines
The temptation to zone out on the couch is strong, but intentionality can transform our evenings. We can try:

• A relaxing bath, massage, or light stretches to release tension.
• Board games, puzzles, or reading together to unwind and bond.
• Journaling as a couple or individually to process the day. Sharing entries, when comfortable, can deepen our connection.

2. Use Spiritual Grounding Tools
Scripture and prayer can help us re-center after a hard day. Some suggestions:

• Spending time in the Word or a devotional.
• Praying as a couple or individually, asking for strength and joy in parenting.
• Reflecting on a faith-based parenting book like Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles by Paul Tripp.

3. Plan for Productive Relaxation
Unproductive habits like scrolling our phones or binge-watching shows can leave us feeling emptier. Instead, we might consider:

• Tidying or organizing a small area to create a sense of accomplishment.
• Working on creative projects like photo books or passion projects.
• Taking a walk or doing a short guided breath-work video to calm our minds.

4. Seek Mentorship and Community
Parenting can feel isolating, especially when we’re navigating challenges others don’t openly discuss. Let’s seek out mentors who’ve walked this path and can offer encouragement. If we don’t have mentors nearby, we can pray for God to guide us to someone who can help.

Faith-Based Parenting Strategies

When we’re in the thick of parenting struggles, these overarching principles can help us stay grounded:

1. Focus on Purpose
Perhaps we sometimes forget that our children are so much more than their big emotions and demands—they’re eternal souls. Raising them isn’t about perfection; it’s about preparing them for their ultimate purpose in God’s kingdom.

2. Embrace Grace in Imperfection
We’re not perfect parents, and our kids aren’t perfect either. That’s okay. God’s grace is sufficient, even on the hardest days (see 2 Corinthians 12:9, one of my favourites). 

3. Be Consistent with Discipline
Loving our children well includes setting clear rules and consequences. Structure and consistency create a sense of safety and security for them.

4. Keep Growing Spiritually
Engaging with our faith community beyond Sunday services can help sustain us such as by joining a small group or Bible study and surround ourselves with others who share our values and struggles.

Finding Hope in the Hard Days

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. What matters is that we keep showing up, leaning on God, and seeking healthy ways to cope.

Parenting isn’t just about surviving—it’s about growing, healing, and building a legacy of faith for our family. With intentional habits and a focus on God’s grace, I pray we can all find peace and purpose, even in the chaos of parenting.

If you missed the conversation in my DM’s, how do you find healthy ways to cope with parenting? Share your thoughts in the comments—your story could be the encouragement someone else needs.