Parenting is bloody hard work. It’s beautiful, sure, but also messy, confusing, and sometimes downright exhausting. Today’s parents aren’t just dealing with nappies and tantrums — we’re trying to raise decent little humans in a world that’s changing faster than we can keep up. Between tech, money problems, and emotional rollercoasters, it can feel like we’re just winging it most days. 

Struggling with Screens? You're Not Alone 

Kids these days are glued to screens — and we’re expected to control it, even when we’re not sure how. 

Phones, tablets, games, YouTube, AI apps — it’s endless. And yes, sometimes tech does help us keep them busy (hello, 10 minutes of peace), but too much screen time messes with their focus, health, and even their mood. 

The real struggle?

We’re not digital experts. Half the time, the kids are showing us how to use the tech. That power shift makes it hard to set rules — and stick to them. 

Some scary stuff to think about: 

• Online predators are real. 

• Kids are addicted to games and TikTok. 

• Attention spans? Gone. 

Still, around 77% of us say tech helps with learning — but 82% are constantly checking in on how much our kids use it. We’re clinging to the idea of tech-free dinners and old-school fun. 

What’s worked for us? 

• Setting screen rules — and actually sticking to them 

• Watching or playing stuff with them 

• Teaching them how to stay safe online 

• Making tech more about learning, not just endless scrolling 

Money Worries Are Draining Us

Let’s be honest — raising kids is expensive. Food, school, clothes, clubs, medical bills… it all adds up. 

Sometimes we lie awake wondering, “Are we doing enough?” Or worse, “Will we ever catch a break?” 

The pressure is real. 
Trying to give them the best life while barely making ends meet? It’s heartbreaking. And when you’re stressed about money, it’s harder to be patient, present, or even just kind. 

Here’s what’s happening out there: 

• More families are moving in with grandparents 

• Holidays have turned into “staycations” 

• Working parents feel torn between work and home — and guilty about it 

Some small ways we cope: 

• Budgeting like mad (and forgiving ourselves when we mess it up) 

• Finding help — local support groups, community centres, school meal programmes 

• Talking to the kids about money honestly but gently 

Tantrums, Backtalk, and “Why Can’t You Just Listen?!

If your kid has screamed in the supermarket, hit their sibling, or rolled their eyes at you — congrats, you’re not alone. 

Sometimes we wonder if we’re raising little monsters. But deep down, we know they’re just learning how to handle big feelings. 

Tantrums? Usually from frustration. 
Disobedience? Testing boundaries. 
Aggression? Could be sadness in disguise. 

Things that helped us stay sane: 

• Staying calm (or at least pretending to) 

• Giving choices instead of commands 

• Praising the good stuff — even small wins 

• Teaching words for feelings 

• Asking for help if things get too intens 

Sibling Fights? Yep, Been There

One minute they’re giggling. Next minute, one’s screaming because the other touched their sock. 

Why do they do this?! 
They want our attention. They’re trying to be seen. And yes, we sometimes make it worse by saying stuff like, “Why can’t you be more like your sister?” (We’ve all done it. No shame.) 

How we’re trying to fix it: 

• Stopping fights early before they explode 

• Reminding ourselves they’re different — and that’s ok 

• Finding things they enjoy doing together 

• Making family rules about respect 

Feeding Them Feels Like a Full-Time Job

Picky eaters. Snack monsters. Kids who survive on bread and ketchup. 

It’s maddening. We just want them to eat something green — or anything not shaped like a dinosaur. 

What worked for us (most days): 

• Letting them help with cooking 

• Eating together, no TV 

• Not making a big fuss over new foods 

• Keeping things chill, not a power battle 

School Stress & Study Struggles

We want our kids to do well. But getting them to study? Ugh. 

Between distractions, lack of motivation, and just plain boredom — school can be a war zone at home. 

How we try to keep the peace: 

• Creating quiet time for homework 

• Connecting lessons to real life (e.g., baking = maths!) 

• Celebrating effort, not just grades 

• Getting help if learning issues pop up 

Big Feelings: Shyness, Whining, and Those Little White Lies

Some kids are super shy. Others whine non-stop. And yes, they lie — sometimes for silly reasons, sometimes to avoid trouble. 

It’s all part of growing up. 
But it can drive us up the wall. 

We’ve learned to: 

• Gently encourage social time 

• Teach them to ask for things instead of whining 

• Talk openly about honesty and trust 

No Time, Too Much Guilt

Let’s face it — we’re busy. Work, chores, life. We’re exhausted, and still worry we’re not doing enough. 

We miss bedtime stories. We feel bad about screen time. And sometimes, we just want a break without feeling like a bad parent. 

What’s helping us feel human again: 

• Making short moments count (even 10 minutes of undivided attention) 

• Saying “no” to things that steal family time 

• Using flexible work options when possible 

• Looking after ourselves, not just the kids 

Discipline Without Yelling (Or Crying in the Bathroom)

It’s hard to set rules without feeling mean. But discipline doesn’t have to be shouting or threats. 

What we try: 

• Making rules clear 

• Following through on consequences 

• Avoiding smacks or punishments that make kids fear us 

• Learning from our mistakes — parenting books can help (when we find time to read) 

Raising Good Humans in a Weird World

We want our kids to be kind, honest, and strong. But the world sends mixed messages — fast fame, likes over love, style over substance. 

So we: 

• Show kindness ourselves 

• Talk about what’s right and why it matters 

• Expose them to different people, cultures, and experiences 

• Let them be who they are — even when it’s hard to understand 

At the end of the day, parenting isn’t about perfection. It’s about love, trying your best, and showing up — even when you’re tired, grumpy, or feel like a total failure.  This journey is tough. But also, magical. Let’s cut ourselves some slack. We’re doing the best we bloody can — and that’s more than enough. ​