Everyone knows parenting can be hard. But what about when it feels too hard?
Parenting can be exhausting. Sometimes you reach a point where it feels like you’ve tried everything you know how to do—on your own, with your partner, or with the supports you already have.
So… what comes next?
What happens when parenting starts affecting your mental health or your ability to work? When your child is struggling at school? When stress starts affecting siblings, relationships, or your whole family?
This is where we start looking at more tools and more support.
You will not need everything here. And not every tool will work for every family. Some things have worked beautifully for one of my kids and completely flopped with another. I’ve seen the same thing working with other families.
These resources were created by someone who has been there—a parent who has reached the “I have tried everything I know to try. Now what?” point.
So here is some of what I’ve tried, what I’ve learned, and what might be worth trying next.
Start With You
Before we talk about another parenting strategy, let’s talk about the person doing the parenting.
Taking care of yourself does not have to mean spa days or finding hours of free time you do not have. Sometimes it means protecting 20 minutes. Sometimes it means getting enough sleep, keeping your own doctor appointment, setting a boundary, or finding another parent who understands.
You are a member of your family too. Taking care of you is part of taking care of your family.
Find Parent Support in Massachusetts
Sometimes the next tool is not something you do by yourself. It is finding another parent who gets it.
I’m based in Massachusetts, so many of the programs I share are Massachusetts resources. If you live somewhere else, the same idea still applies: look for parent peer support, family-run organizations, disability family support, and caregiver groups where you live.
Children’s Mental Health: PPAL
The Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL) supports Massachusetts families raising children and young adults with social, emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs. Their calendar includes parent-to-parent groups, virtual groups, trainings, and other family support.
Autism: Massachusetts DDS Autism Support Centers
Massachusetts has regional Autism Support Centers that help autistic children and adults and their families with information, referrals, resources, family support, trainings, and connection. Use the state list to find the center that serves your area.
Parent-to-Parent & Disability Support: Federation for Children with Special Needs
The Federation for Children with Special Needs is another place Massachusetts families can turn for information, family support, and help navigating disability and special education systems. Their Parent to Parent program connects families with trained supporting parents who have lived experience.
These are starting places, not a complete list. You do not have to figure out every service today. Pick the place that sounds closest to what your family needs and start there.
