Parenting in survival mode is exhausting and overwhelming. When your child is struggling, it’s crucial to prioritize what matters most—protecting your energy, letting go of appearances, and showing up authentically for your family. During these difficult times, parent self-care isn’t optional—it’s essential. Taking care of yourself helps you stay grounded and better support your child through their challenges.
Prioritize What Matters: Trusting Your Parental Instincts:
I’ll never forget the season of life when I was worried—really worried—about my child’s relationship with food and their body. What started as me watching for little things quickly spiraled into something more concerning. As a parent, you know the feeling when your gut tells you something isn’t right. And suddenly, your entire focus shifts.
Life Gets Smaller-Prioritize What Matters
In those moments, my world got a lot smaller. Not because I didn’t care about friends, activities, or keeping up with everything around me—but because I couldn’t. I had to focus on prioritizing what matters most to me and let go of the rest.
I had zero bandwidth for chit-chat, small talk, or trying to keep up appearances. My mind, my energy, and my heart were fully devoted to one thing: figuring out the next right step to help my child.
And maybe that’s where you are right now.
You Don’t Owe Anyone an Explanation
When our children are hurting, and we’re dealing with a big concern—whether it’s an eating disorder, anxiety, social struggles, or something else—it’s survival mode. And in survival mode, the priority becomes crystal clear.
👉 Remember, you don’t have to show up as someone you’re not.
👉 Don’t worry about having to pretend everything is fine.
👉 You don’t have to explain why you’re saying no to things you’d normally say yes to.
What you do need is to protect your energy for the people who need you most: your child, your family, and yourself.
Prioritize What Matters: Protecting Your Energy in Survival Mode
You only have so much capacity—and that’s okay. Survival mode means channeling your energy where it matters most. Whether it’s cutting back on social commitments, saying no to extra responsibilities, or limiting who gets access to you during this time, it’s about preserving your energy for what’s most important.
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish—It’s Survival
And yes, yourself. Your self-care isn’t a luxury in these seasons—it’s survival. Drinking your tea in peace, taking a breath, crying it out, journaling, going for a walk, or sitting in the car for a moment longer before walking back inside—those moments count. They help you stay steady for your child.
You Are Not Alone in This
If you’re in this space right now, please know: you are not alone. I’ve walked it. Many parents have. It’s messy, exhausting, and deeply emotional. But you don’t have to do it without support.
Your Presence Is Enough
Here’s what I want you to know:
Allow yourself to prioritize your family over anything that feels draining right now.
You don’t have to explain your boundaries to anyone.
Know you are doing your best in an impossibly hard situation.
Your child doesn’t need a perfect parent—they need you, present and as calm as you can be.
If you’re looking for guidance on how to navigate this season—whether you need strategies, reassurance, or just someone who understands—reach out. This is the work I do because I’ve lived it.
💛 You are not alone.
💛 Your instincts are worth trusting.
💛 There’s hope, even when it feels heavy.
Next Steps: Support and Resources for Parents
Need support right now?
Download my Free 4-Step Guide: How to Talk to Your Teen About Food Without Making It Worse.
Or use this link to book a free discovery call to see if parent coaching is a good fit for your family