Growing up, I had a stay-at-home mom who was incredibly involved in my life. She drove me to violin and piano lessons, produced the school musicals, took us to the WEAG every summer day, and was constantly engaged in creative endeavors. But the thing that stands out to me the most is how she made time for herself. She wasn’t just dedicated to parenting; she had a life outside of her role as a mom. She baked, cooked, painted, gardened, played tennis with friends, and even sang in the church choir. I learned so much from her, not just about creativity, but about balance. She was able to juggle so many things while still finding time to care for herself.
Fast forward to today, and I find myself in a very different situation. As a full-time working mom, I seem to have inherited a similar dedication to my daughter, but with less of the space to take care of myself. I coach basketball, which takes 12 hours a week, I paint sets for the school musical, I organize music at church on Sundays, I plan family outings, walk the dog, and squeeze in skiing when I can. All of this to ensure my daughter, Lennon, stays off her phone and experiences the real world.
But here's the catch: keeping her screen time down feels like it's entirely on me. And when I finally find a moment to take a break and scroll or tune out for a bit, she’ll be on her phone too. It’s like I’m caught in this cycle of responsibility, and it can be overwhelming.
To add another layer, after we fled an abusive relationship during the pandemic, Lennon started sleeping in my bed for comfort. Five years later, she’s still there, and it’s taken a toll on my personal space. I find it harder than ever to carve out moments for myself—those quiet times that allow me to recharge and just be me, not just a mom.
It’s a challenging balancing act. I want to be present for Lennon, to show her what it means to be engaged in life, but I also long for the space my mom seemed to effortlessly manage. I know I’m doing my best, but some days, it feels like I’m working full-time and parenting full-time with no room to breathe. Does anyone else feel this way?
Check out my CTV interview here
Navigating Parenting Burnout: My CTV Appearance on the Struggles of 2025 Parenthood
As a single mom and entrepreneur, I know firsthand how overwhelming parenting can feel, especially when juggling multiple roles. In my recent appearance on CTV, I had the chance to share my thoughts on the challenges parents face today, especially in the context of burnout. The discussion, inspired by psychologist Dr. Tannis MacBeth’s insights on the increased stress of modern-day parenting, resonated with many viewers—and it felt great to bring attention to something that affects so many of us.
The Reality of Parenting in 2025
Parenting in 2025 is harder than ever before. With the constant demands of work, school, extracurricular activities, and personal well-being, parents are stretched thin. Many of us are not just raising kids, but also navigating financial pressure, societal expectations, and, in some cases, trauma that we are still working to heal from.
On the CTV segment, we discussed how the pandemic added a layer of strain on parents who had to suddenly shift into full-time caregivers and remote workers. This constant balancing act led to a rise in burnout, and unfortunately, it’s not something that has just gone away.
My Personal Journey: From Struggle to Empowerment
My own story is one of overcoming adversity. I fled from intimate partner violence and rebuilt my life from scratch. Along the way, I found ways to heal from trauma through self-care, therapy, and creative outlets like home renovation and design. This journey, though challenging, led me to where I am now: running my own business, building a home with my daughter in our Barbie dream home, and supporting others through my work with brands like Adsum for Women.
As a mom, entrepreneur, and home renovator, I’ve learned how to balance my career with motherhood by embracing the concept of imperfection. Like many parents, I’ve had my moments of burnout. I’m not always the perfect mom (who is, right?), but what I am is present. Being present for my daughter, Lennon, is my priority. Whether I’m coaching her U12 basketball team, painting sets for the school musical, or cheering her on at her various activities, I’m making sure that we stay connected.
I’ve learned that we don’t need to be perfect parents—we just need to be there. We can teach our kids resilience by showing them that it’s okay to make mistakes and try again. That’s the essence of parenting without the pressure of perfection.
Overcoming Parent Burnout
During my CTV interview, I shared some of the ways I’ve learned to manage the overwhelming nature of modern-day parenting:
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: I’ve come to realize that taking time for myself isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential. Whether it’s through therapy, taking a walk, or quietly diving into a good book, prioritizing my mental and physical health allows me to show up as the best parent I can be. My community YMCA membership has become a lifeline; I love the simple ritual of walking to the gym, sitting in the sauna, and strolling back home. Every so often, I take a full day off—a mental health day—to recharge at a spa like Sensea. Those moments of self-care help me refocus, set meaningful goals for the next six months, organize my thoughts, and let my mind dream and scheme about the next big adventure. It’s a way of refueling that benefits not just me but everyone in my life.
Community Support: I’ve been fortunate to build a strong community of friends, family, and followers who uplift and encourage me to keep going. One of my favorite traditions is hosting an annual Galentine’s Day dinner party for my closest gal pals, and I always make time to invite friends for dog walks in the park. Parenting doesn’t have to be a solo journey—it truly takes a village, especially as our kids approach their teen years. Setting boundaries around social media and phone use works best when done collaboratively with the parents of their friends, creating consistency and shared expectations. Whether it’s leaning on friends, building connections with other parents, or seeking out professional support, fostering a sense of community makes all the difference in navigating the challenges of parenting.
Setting Realistic Expectations: I’ve let go of the idea that I need to have it all together all the time—because honestly, none of us do. It’s okay to say no, ask for help, and let a few things slide. One of the biggest game-changers for me has been hiring university students who are eager to pick up a few hours of work each week. They’ve been a tremendous help, whether it’s hanging out with Lennon and supporting her with homework, or getting her out the door in the mornings so I can focus on my Pilates practice. These amazing young women also pitch in with laundry, tidying the kitchen, and light housework, keeping our home organized and functional. It’s worth every penny and has made a world of difference in lightening the load. Sometimes, asking for help (or paying for it) is the most productive thing you can do.
Creative Expression as Healing: Renovating our home and designing spaces that truly reflect who we are has been an incredibly therapeutic outlet. Through home design, I’ve been able to channel my energy into something positive and meaningful, gaining a sense of accomplishment that benefits not only me but my family as well. Embracing pink and transforming our house into a "Barbie Dream Home" was a bold declaration of our independence as women. It’s not just a reflection of our style—it’s a symbol of resilience and joy. The process created cherished memories for my daughter and me, and having our home so close to her school has only strengthened our bond and enriched our daily lives.
Parent Burnout Doesn’t Have to Be the End
While burnout is real, it’s not a permanent state. Through my own struggles, I’ve discovered ways to embrace my imperfections, create healthy boundaries, and, most importantly, show up for my daughter in meaningful ways. I hope my appearance on CTV helped shed light on the challenges that parents face today—and that it serves as a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles.
Parenting in 2025 is certainly hard, but with a little grace, support, and self-compassion, we can thrive despite it all.
If you missed my CTV appearance, you can catch the segment here. I hope my story helps you feel seen, heard, and empowered to navigate your own journey through the ups and downs of parenting.