Is There Hope for Helpless Parents?

80% of parents feel trapped — but there’s hope

Philip S. Naudus
Better Families

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Images by Philip and Linda Naudus. Based on images by kjpargeter and pikisuperstar via freepik.

After the birth of our first child, my wife and I went from being madly in love to becoming nothing more than co-parents. We thought the sleepless nights couldn’t get any worse, but our second child proved us wrong. Even though explosive diapers and emergency midnight trips to the laundromat took their toll on our mental health, the most difficult part about our transition to parenthood was grieving the loss of what had once been an intimate relationship with my wife.

Our blissful marriage was interrupted by kids who knew how to spoil every moment. They became the third wheel who would pee on our laps and stick their fingers into our food. Before long, we were barely surviving.

Eighty percent of parents agree with the statement, “I feel trapped by my responsibilities as a parent.” Our society should view this as a serious red flag — we need to stop making moms and dads feel guilty for not sacrificing enough.

Stress is poisoning your family

Background by vectorpocket via freepik

Before you become a martyr in the name of doing what’s best for your kids, you…

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Philip S. Naudus
Better Families

High school teacher by day, koala by night. My wife is a cartoonist with a Ph.D., and she co-authors all of these articles.