When Parenting Feels Like a Marathon (and You’re Running on Empty)
If I’m honest, the past few weeks have felt like a whirlwind of challenges, exhaustion, and survival mode. Around Thanksgiving, everything shifted. We made the decision to switch the kids’ schools, which felt like the right move for their growth but added a lot of transition stress right in the middle of the holiday season. And, oh yeah, I hosted Thanksgiving!
As if that wasn’t enough, we’ve been dealing with a new sleep saga in our house—one I didn’t quite see coming. Garon has started napping at school again, which sounded harmless at first. But the ripple effect? He’s now wide awake until midnight on some nights, long after I’ve hit my own wall. It’s been draining, both physically and emotionally.
The Sleep Champ Himself 🏆
This little guy is giving us a serious run for our money in the sleep department—but at least he’s thriving at his new school! 😅
The Midnight Marathon
We’ve tried all the tricks to get things back on track: rewards for staying in his room, creating cozy sleep spaces, and even putting a sleeping bag in our room to make it less appealing for him to sneak in. Spoiler alert: He loves the sleeping bag and now treats it like a VIP camping spot in our bedroom. So much for discouragement, right? 😅
I know this is a phase, but when you’re in the thick of it, it feels like forever. It’s hard to show up for work, for my projects, or even for myself when I’m running on fumes.
What I’ve Been Doing for Me
Despite the chaos, I’ve been working hard on a couple of projects that keep me anchored. The Begin & Build workout program is coming together, and it’s a reminder of how important movement is for my mental health, even on the hard days. I’ve also been pouring my heart into The Resolution Workbook: 3 Months to a Better You. Creating these resources is as much for me as it is for the people I hope will use them—it’s been a way to stay focused on growth even when life feels messy.
Let’s Talk About It
I know I’m not the only parent who’s dealt with the dreaded soon to be five-year-old sleep regression. Those late-night wake-ups, the constant requests for “one more story,” and the unannounced room visits can make you feel like you’re failing, even when you’re doing your best.
So I’m putting this out there: How did you handle it? Did you find any tricks that worked to keep your little ones in their beds? Let’s start a conversation—because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that parenting is a team sport, and we’re all figuring it out as we go.
Drop your best tips, encouragement, or just a funny story in the comments. Let’s share the load—and maybe a laugh or two—together. 💙