The Mantras That Get Us Through Tough Parenting Moments

Some moments in parenting feel light, full of laughter and ease. And then there are the moments that stretch us–when patience runs low, emotions run high, and everything feels harder than it should. These are the moments that test us, not just as parents but as humans. When exhaustion sets in, when things don’t go as planned, when the meltdowns feel endless…what keeps you grounded?

What words help you to take a deep breath, reset, and move forward instead of getting swept up in the moment?

This month, we asked:

So many of you shared the words that help ground you when things feel hard. Some were grounding, others were perspective-shifting, but all were a reminder that none of us are in this alone. Here are three themes that stood out, along with the words that help parents reset, refocus, and find their way through the tough days.

Reframing the Hard Moments

When you’re in the middle of a meltdown, a bedtime battle, or yet another power struggle over the “wrong” color cup, it’s easy to feel like your child is pushing your buttons on purpose. But a shift in perspective can make all the difference.

The truth is they’re not trying to make things harder. They’re learning–how to manage emotions, how to navigate boundaries, and how to process disappointment. And learning is messy. It happens through testing limits, seeing how others react, and figuring out what feels safe.

And the process isn’t just hard for them–it’s hard for us too. It’s exhausting to meet dysregulation with patience. It’s frustrating to repeat the same boundary for the hundredth time. But in these moments, they’re not just learning emotional regulation–they’re learning resilience, adaptability, and what it means to be supported through big emotions.

And when it feels like the challenges are never going to end, many of you shared how it helps to zoom out and remember that this is just a season…or maybe just a day.

What feels nearly impossible today will one day be a memory. The long nights, the endless “why” questions, the phases that feel like they’ll never end–they do shift. That doesn’t take away from how hard it is. It’s hard. But it’s worth it. The work you’re doing now? It’s helping.

Pause, Breathe, Reset

When frustration builds and you feel yourself reaching the point where you want to yell, shut down, or walk away–sometimes the best thing you can do is pause. Even just a second to breathe can be enough to shift the energy.

Taking that beat before reacting gives you space to choose your response rather than getting swept up in the intensity of the moment.

You bring the calm. Young children aren’t born knowing how to regulate their emotions–they borrow our regulations before they develop their own. They look to us not just for guidance but for stability. And while no parent stays calm 100% of the time (because we’re human, too), every time you pause instead of reacting, you’re showing them what emotional regulation looks like.

For some parents, that pause looks like a deep breath. For others, it’s a mantra repeated in their head, stepping into another room for a moment, or pacing a hand on their heart as a physical reminder to slow down. Whoever it looks like for you, pausing doesn’t mean ignoring your feelings–it means giving yourself space to respond with intention.

You Are the Parent They Need

Some days, it’s easy to wonder if you’re doing enough. When patience runs thin, when frustration takes over, when you don’t handle a moment the way you wish you had–it’s easy to let doubt creep in. We’ve all been there. On those days, hold onto these mantras:

The truth is parenting isn’t about getting it right 100% of the time. It’s about showing up–again and again. Your child doesn’t need a flawless or never-frustrated parent. They need you. A parent who is learning alongside them. A parent who makes mistakes and models how to repair them. A parent who keeps trying.

So, on the days when self-doubt creeps in, remind yourself: You are exactly the parent your child needs–not because you never struggle, but because you keep showing up.

Thank You for Sharing

We all know that staying calm in tough moments is important. But knowing doesn’t always make it easy. In the heat of frustration, when emotions are high, logic often goes out the window. That’s where mantras come in.

Mantras work because they give you something strong to hold onto when you need it most. They interrupt the spiral, ground you, and remind you what matters. You hearing you believe in yourself in that moment is powerful. It gives you a second to pause, reset, and keep going.

And in doing that, we’re not just helping ourselves–we’re teaching our children, too. We’re modeling what it looks like to regulate, to process, to move through big emotions. In many ways, parenting is a journey of reparenting ourselves–we’re learning and growing with them.

The winner of this month’s giveaway has been notified via email, and we’ll have another Real Talk question for you with a chance to win a PedsDocTalk course in April.

Thank you for being part of our incredible community ❤️

PedsDocTalk Monthly Recap

Check out the PedsDocTalk monthly recap of the most-viewed and talked-about content on Instagram, YouTube, and the podcast. From Aquaphor misinformation to fostering your baby’s development, these topics have sparked important conversations. Take a look at what’s been catching your attention this month!

On Instagram

This post clears up the misinformation around petrolatum in products like Aquaphor. While it's derived from petroleum, the version used in skincare is highly refined, purified, and safe. Aquaphor is a pediatrician-approved staple for dry skin, wound healing, diaper rash prevention, and even protecting skin from chlorine. If you’ve heard fear-based claims online, this is your reminder to turn to balanced, evidence-based sources.

This post is all about giving babies the freedom to move! Floor time helps build strength, coordination, and confidence–no fancy gear required. It highlights why trial and error (with safe supervision) is key for rolling, crawling, and walking. It also emphasizes how face-to-face play supports social and communication skills right from the start.

On YouTube

This video breaks down 5 common mistakes that can unintentionally slow a baby’s development, like overusing activity centers or skipping floor time. It also covers why face-to-face play matters, how to support early social development, and when screen time is appropriate. It’s full of practical tips to help babies thrive in their first year!

On The Podcast

No parent ever wants to end up in the Pediatric ICU–but when it happens, knowing what to expect can ease some of the fear. This episode features Pediatric Critical Care Doctor Dr. Anita Patel, who shares the most common reasons kids are admitted to the PICU, what happens during a stay, and how to navigate the experience. It also dives into the emotional toll of serious illness and offers guidance on managing health anxiety from both a parent and physician perspective.

In The Media