You’re Not Failing, You’re Tired

It’s OK to Ask for Help

If you’ve ever questioned yourself as a parent, or felt overwhelmed by the sheer responsibility of raising little humans, this is for you.

Modern parenting can feel very different to how it used to be. There’s so much information, so many opinions, and so much pressure to get everything “right”. It’s easy to start doubting yourself. It’s easy to feel judged. And it’s very easy to feel like everyone else is coping better than you are.

The truth is, you are not alone. Almost every parent struggles at some point along the way. And I want you to know that it is okay to ask for help.

This is a topic that’s very close to my heart, because of the number of families I’ve worked with over the years who arrive feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and often quietly carrying a lot of guilt for feeling that way.

I meet parents every week who are deeply affected by sleep deprivation and the emotional weight that comes with it. When you’re not sleeping, everything feels harder. Your resilience drops. Your patience wears thin. Even small things can start to feel unmanageable. That doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human and you’re tired.

We also live in a world where the “village” that once supported families isn’t always there in the same way. Instead, many parents turn to social media, where they’re often met with carefully filtered snapshots of perfect-looking lives. Rather than feeling supported, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling short.

Add to that the huge amount of advice available at your fingertips, and it’s no wonder so many parents feel confused, overwhelmed, and unsure of their own instincts.

So let me say this without judgement: it’s okay to ask for help.

To the parent who feels their heart sink every time their baby wakes from yet another short nap, it’s okay to ask for help.

To the parent who walks through the front door after work and can see how hard the day has been at home, it’s okay to ask for help.

To the grandparent who is watching their son or daughter struggle and doesn’t know how to make it better, it’s okay to ask for help.
To the mum whose stomach knots every time she hears her baby stir, it’s okay to ask for help.
To the dad lying awake at night listening to his partner cry in exhaustion, it’s okay to ask for help.
To the parent who tried co-sleeping hoping everyone would get more rest, but is finding it just isn’t working, it’s okay to ask for help.
To the mum who is so tired she feels like she’s just going through the motions, it’s okay to ask for help.
To the parent who tells friends they’re “fine” because they’re worried about being judged, it’s okay to ask for help.

These feelings are incredibly common. Thousands of parents feel this way every single day.

What matters most is knowing that you don’t have to sit in that space on your own. Support is out there, and very often, things start to feel more manageable once sleep improves and you’re no longer running on empty.

So many parents have said to me, “I wish we’d asked for help sooner.” And every time, my answer is the same. You did the right thing. You reached out.

The Rise of Opinions

We live in a time where everyone has a platform and an opinion, especially when it comes to parenting. It can feel like no matter what you do, someone will think there’s a “better” way.

But the reality is, we’re all different. We have different personalities, different children, different circumstances, and different needs. It makes sense that we’ll all parent differently too.

If you’re one of the families who doesn’t need extra support right now, that’s wonderful. But for those who do, what they need most is understanding, not judgement. None of us benefit from criticism. We all do better with kindness and support, just like the villages families once relied on.

What You Can Do

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or worn down, start by telling someone. That might be your partner, a family member, a friend, or a professional.

If your child’s sleep, or lack of it, is affecting your emotional or mental wellbeing, you don’t have to just push through. You’re very welcome to get in touch with me at Serene Sleep. I support families every week with gentle, practical, and realistic sleep solutions, and I’ll meet you where you’re at, without judgement.

There are different ways we can work together, whether that’s in-home support or phone and online consultations. The goal is simple: to help your family get more rest and to help you feel more confident and supported along the way.

You don’t have to do this alone. And you don’t have to wait until you’re at breaking point to ask for help.