The Huddle Wisdom Blog: For Parents of Anxious & Sensitive Kids
Expert guidance and real-world reflections from a child psychiatrist who’s also a parent.
Parenting While Tired
There’s a version of parenting most people don’t talk about.
It doesn’t involve craft kits, gentle voices, or planned teachable moments. It’s not something you’d record for family videos. It’s the one that happens when you’re too tired to be the parent you thought you would be.
You’re getting through the day, but everything feels heavier than it should. You’re making decisions on autopilot. You’re responding with silence, because finding words feels like a task.
Your child still needs you. And that’s the part that stings a bit. Not because you don’t care, but because you do.
This version of parenting asks a different kind of effort. One that doesn’t rely on energy. One that works even when you’re flat.
Here are a few things that help.
Lower the bar
Not permanently. Just for now. Some days will not match your ideals. Trying to meet yesterday’s standard with today’s energy is a fast way to lose your footing. Choose something simpler. A meal. A kind tone. A door closed gently. Let t...
Authenticity in Parenting: The Balance Between Play and Self-Care
 Ah, the modern parent’s dilemma: to play or not to play?
We’re constantly bombarded with the notion that we must be perpetually engaged and playful with our children. Let’s face it, sometimes the thought of another round of hide-and-seek is about as appealing as doing your tax returns.
It’s perfectly normal not to feel like playing all the time. It’s okay to not be a human jungle gym 24/7.
Self-Compassion: The Unsung Hero
One of the pearls of wisdom I’ve gathered from my practice is the importance of self-compassion. Parents, especially those juggling ADHD, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, often push themselves to meet every perceived obligation. But being true to your authentic self will recharge you, allowing you to be genuinely playful when the time is right. Taking care of yourself so you can actually enjoy playing with your kids? Revolutionary, isn’t it? But hang on...this is not me giving you permission to jettison your parental obligations either. Balanc...
