Parenting today feels like working a never-ending dinner rush. Here’s how to create more balance and breathing room in 2025.
A client recently compared her parenting-professional stress cycle to her time working at a busy restaurant in downtown Chicago.
“If you’ve ever worked in restaurants, you know,” she said. “You have to juggle timing, personalities, and orders—sometimes literally—all while making sure no one’s cup goes empty and your face always looks happy to help. You’re constantly in motion, constantly prioritizing, because someone always needs something. It’s both exhausting and exhilarating—but mostly exhausting.”
She’s a full-time marketing director and all-the-time mother of three. But let’s be real—she might as well have been describing your last 24 hours, too.
In the restaurant world, the chaos ends when the dinner rush is over. You can breathe, reset, and remind yourself it’s just unfortunate timing. But in life, the rush never seems to stop. Between conflicting schedules, relentless expectations, and the constant comparison trap, parents today are navigating overwhelm on every front—and it can feel like there’s no break in sight.
If Parenting Feels Harder Than Ever, It’s Because It Is
Today’s parents face challenges that didn’t exist for previous generations. Here’s what’s making the balancing act feel impossible:
The Impact of Social Media and Screens
Managing screen time, online safety, and the emotional toll of social media has added a new layer of vigilance to modern parenting.
Rising Academic and Athletic Demands
Schoolwork has become increasingly rigorous, forcing parents to act as tutors, project managers, and motivators—not to mention school, club, and travel sports—all on top of their daily responsibilities.
Blurred Work-Life Boundaries
Hybrid and remote work have erased traditional office hours, stretching workdays into family time and making it harder than ever to unplug. Between school events, sports, and work commitments, managing the family calendar feels like an Olympic event.
The Pressure to ‘Do It All’
Parents are expected to excel at everything—raising kids, advancing careers, and keeping it all together—without breaking a sweat or speaking up.
It’s no wonder parental burnout has become a national issue. The U.S. Surgeon General agrees, recently issuing a public health advisory addressing the toll parental stress takes on mental health.
I recently talked to the top executives at a Fortune 100 company and asked them about the biggest trigger for the Red Zone at work. The majority of them said, “being away from their children.”
In fact, over 75% of the professionals I work with will talk about their kids, which goes to show how far we have come in the business world. It is no longer a separate issue. We are now seeing the whole person and learning how to manage that stress by providing the right tools and resources so employees can focus on leadership, mattering, and work-life balance.
The struggle bus is real, and for many parents, it’s running on empty.
How to Step Out of the Frenzy and Keep Parenting Stress at Bay
When the dinner rush hits, a seasoned server knows how to prioritize, delegate, and stay grounded—even when the pressure’s on. The same principles can help you find balance in the chaos of work-life parenting.
Here’s how to keep the overwhelm in check, restaurant-style:
Stop Trying to Serve Everyone at Once
A great server doesn’t tackle every table at the same time—they prioritize the most pressing needs and handle the rest in order. Do the same in life: focus on what truly matters right now, and don’t feel guilty about leaving some things for later.
Clear the Table of Perfectionism
No one expects every plate to come out looking like it’s from a Michelin-starred chef. “Good enough” is often more than enough—whether it’s a meal at home, a school project, or a work presentation.
Ask for Help in the Kitchen
Even the best servers don’t do it all alone. Lean on your support system—partners, friends, family, or coworkers. Whether it’s delegating tasks or simply asking for advice, sharing the load can make all the difference.
Take Breaks Between Orders
A quick breather between tables is essential for staying on top of a busy shift. Similarly, carve out time to recharge—whether it’s a short walk, a workout, or a quiet moment with a cup of coffee.
Make Space for Joy on the Menu
When work and parenting start to feel like a grind, reconnect with the things that bring you joy. Add a little “dessert” to your life—activities like cooking, reading, gardening, or even taking a nap can reset your mood and energy.
Clock out at the End of Your Shift
At the end of a server’s shift, the work is done. Follow their lead by setting clear boundaries between your work and home life. Close the laptop, silence the notifications, and be fully present where it matters most.
And perhaps most importantly… let yourself be waited on.
Every now and then, flip the script. Take your family—or just yourself—out to a restaurant and bask in the joy of being served with a smile. Or take that same mentality to your professional life—are there projects or tasks you can delegate, automate, or completely delete?
Stress and overwhelm may be unavoidable at times, but they don’t have to define you as a parent or a professional. Remember: you don’t have to do it all to do it well. Reclaim your balance by setting clear priorities, focusing on what truly matters in the moment, and leaning on your support system. Sometimes, the best way to serve your family, your career, and your dreams is by letting go of what no longer serves you.
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