Parenting can be difficult enough as is—but parenting during a pandemic is a whole new challenge. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began, many parents have faced the harsh reality of balancing work, parenting, and their kids’ schooling, all while everyone is constantly under the same roof.

If you feel stressed or burned out as a parent, you aren’t alone. Now that we’re a year into the pandemic, many parents have struggled with little to no support.

It doesn’t have to be this way, however. There are tips and strategies you can implement into your day-to-day life to help ease your burden and stress levels—let’s explore some of your options.

Create Structure In Your Daily Lives

When the pandemic first began, many of our lives suddenly became chaotic and unstructured. While you once relied on sending your kids to school every day and going to work, suddenly, everything was happening right in your home. Chaos only got worse and worse—and so did your stress levels.

Fortunately, there are easy ways to bring a structured routine back into your household. Start by ensuring that everyone gets up around a set time every day. Also, encourage your children to find a healthy balance in their lives between schoolwork and playtime.

Your kids will follow your lead: if you spend time working and follow it up with a walk or some sort of exercise, they’ll also fall into a similar pattern. By establishing more structured days, you’ll lessen the chaos and find comfort in routine.

Prioritize Taking Care of Yourself

Many parents tend to put their children’s needs ahead of their own, and this has gotten more exaggerated since the pandemic began. While it’s natural to want to give your all for your children, you must prioritize self-care first. By taking care of yourself and prioritizing your needs, you’ll be able to take better care of your kids in the long-run.

It’s okay to need some space from your kids. Find the time in your day in which you can be alone—no spouse, no kids, and no media. By taking even just a half-hour to focus on yourself, you’ll feel better throughout the rest of the day. You may also find stress-relief from other forms of self-care like meditating, doing yoga, finding a new hobby, or having a video chat with some friends.

Let Go of Your Guilt

You may feel guilty that you “aren’t doing enough” or “trying hard enough” for the sake of your children. While it may be hard, you need to let go of this thought—because you are doing enough, and no one is perfect. Many parents hold themselves to this idea of “perfection” and compare their parenting skills to others.

In reality, the fact that you’re struggling means you’re trying very hard. Let go of guilt and stop comparing yourself to other parents; instead, focus on what you’re doing right.

No parent can do it all on their own, especially in a pandemic. It’s okay to need a break and take time for yourself. You may also feel guilty about needing a break from life at home, but you shouldn’t. Parents need a break from their kids and vice versa.

Find a Support Group

One of the best ways to cope with parenting in a pandemic is to find like-minded parents going through the same thing. A support group can offer you insight, camaraderie, and an outlet to express your struggles. You’ll learn that you aren’t alone and that there is no shame in reaching out for help and support.

Lindsay Elledge is starting a support group for this very reason. You don’t have to go through it alone, and resources are available. If you’re feeling burned out from parenting in the pandemic, consider joining our support group to find better ways to cope and get through the rest of it. For more information on the upcoming group go to our Contact Page.