When parenting feels like a wobbly ride

Parenting is full of surprises. Just when you think you’ve got everything under control, something unexpected happens, and you’re left scrambling to pick up the pieces.

Today, I want to share a personal story that made me think about how parenting often requires us to build, rebuild, and keep moving forward—even when things start to fall apart. We’ll cover:

• Embracing imperfections and moving forward.

• Practical tips for tough parenting moments.

When the pedal fell off

Yesterday, my son was over the moon with excitement. His new birthday bike had finally arrived, and he couldn’t wait to set it up and ride around the neighborhood.

Of course, I was working at the time and told him I’d help later in the evening. But patience isn’t his strong suit, so he grabbed a screwdriver and decided to take matters into his own hands. An hour later, I went to check on him and found him on the sidewalk, pouting and frustrated.

One pedal was lying on the ground—his bike, and his spirit, were falling apart.

At that moment, I was proud of him for figuring out how to build the bike on his own. But it also reminded me of what parenting often feels like: you do your best to put everything together, and just when you think you’re rolling, something gets f*ed up.

Lesson: That moment on the sidewalk wasn’t a failure. It was a learning experience. And it’s exactly how parenting works.

Building, rebuilding, and embracing the messiness

When my son first started putting together his bike, he didn’t have all the answers. He was eager, determined, and willing to try. As parents, we’re in the same boat—we jump in, often without a manual, fueled by love and a desire to get it right. But the truth is, parenting isn’t about always having the perfect plan. It’s about showing up, being present, and figuring things out as you go.

And when things inevitably start to fall apart—whether it’s a tantrum, a sleepless night, or just feeling like you’re not measuring up—it’s not a sign that you’re doing something wrong. It’s part of the process. Every loose pedal, every breakdown, is an opportunity to stop, assess, and rebuild. It’s about learning to embrace the messiness, because that’s where growth happens.

When things feel like they’re falling apart

Let’s face it—parenting can be overwhelming. But even in the chaos, there’s a way to find balance. Here are a few strategies that have helped me when things start to unravel:

1. Rotate responsibilities: Switch parenting tasks with your partner regularly to keep things fresh and share the load. It could be as simple as swapping who does bath or bed time.

2. Practice "parenting in 10s": Break tasks into 10-minute increments, focusing on your child, then taking a short break for yourself.

3. Schedule in micro-meditations: Take 1-2 minutes throughout the day for deep breathing or mindfulness to reset and reduce stress. Set a timer on your watch or computer as a reminder.

4. Plan "reverse days": Let your child be the "parent" for a short time to gain new perspectives and have some fun.

5. Create a family mission statement: Work together to define your family values and goals, providing guidance and unity. Here’s how.

6. Use visual reminders: Place positive affirmations around your home as quick boosts when you need them most. “This too will pass” or “Breathe.”

7. Embrace “good-enough” parenting: Adopt the mindset that good enough is okay, reducing the pressure to be perfect.

Parenting, like building a bike, isn’t always smooth riding. There will be bumps, breakdowns, and moments where you feel like you’re just holding it all together. But that’s okay. The important thing is to keep going, keep learning, and keep showing up for your kids—imperfections and all!

What do you want me to write about next? Reply with whatever has been on your mind lately!