In this TaskHuman Talks Podcast episode, coaches Jamie Carroll and Amanda Crooks dive into the complexities of modern parenting, from managing meltdowns to shifting your mindset to find more peace. Coach Amanda, a leadership, career, and parenting coach on the TaskHuman platform, describes her journey of being a working parent as the most challenging and most rewarding undertaking of her life. In the article below, learn more and gain tips for embracing your parenting journey and prioritizing your mental health along the way.
Many people feel they have to wear different hats—one for work, one for home, and one for themselves. Coach Amanda suggests that showing up as a whole person is about “dropping the idea that you have to wear those hats” and presenting as different versions of your authentic self. Leaning into your authenticity and recognizing the value you bring to both your team and your family is key, as Amanda notes below.
Kids don’t need perfection, but they do need a real parent who can say, “I had a hard day” and still engage with them. In the same way, workplaces benefit when you bring your full humanity to your professional relationships. This might mean starting a meeting by saying, “I had a hard night at home, but I’m committed to giving the best I can within my capacity”. Sharing vulnerably in this way models honesty and self-connection for children and colleagues alike.
Transitions, such as returning to work after a leave or managing school routines, can be difficult and disorienting—especially for young children. Amanda recommends managing your expectations and recognizing that it’s okay not to be “all in” an hour after a difficult shift (in pace or place). When emotions are heightened, remind yourself that everyone is just being human, and it’s natural to experience a range of feelings and reactions.
A powerful way to navigate these moments is to create “micro rituals” that signal a shift to your body and mind. These can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths in the car before picking up your kids, a one-minute walk between meetings, or a playlist that changes the energy in your space. The routine and regularity of these small actions can become a powerful tool for helping you be your best self, explains Coach Amanda below.
Meltdowns, both for kids and adults, are a normal part of life and often a signal of unmet needs—like hunger, tiredness, overstimulation, or a need for connection. Regulation begins with awareness, which is why Coach Amanda says it’s important to regularly pause and ask yourself, “What am I feeling in my body right now?”.
Rather than suppressing emotions, the goal is to channel them into healthy responses. This can mean getting on a child’s eye level or excusing yourself for a quick pause to regain your calm. By practicing self-regulation and modeling it out loud for your children, you also empower them with this vital skill for their own future.
Related Reading: Why Parenting Yourself Is the First Step In Good Parenting
Working parents often fall into mindset traps like perfectionism and comparison. Coach Amanda explains that perfectionism is the belief that there is one “right” way to parent and work, while comparison is measuring your inner feelings against someone else’s “polished outsides” on social media. She encourages parents to reframe this by focusing on the idea that “good enough is truly good, and it’s enough”.
Another common struggle is guilt—for working, not working enough, or needing space. Amanda notes that guilt often signals that you care deeply, but it may not be an accurate compass for your decisions. Getting clear on your values can help you make intentional choices on your parenting journey that are filtered through what is most important to you, leading to far less guilt and regret.
As Amanda beautifully concludes, “You’re exactly who your child needs for their journey”. Even when you don’t feel equipped or energized, remember that you are a good parent, and you are enough.
If you are a parent feeling scattered, burnt out, or like you’re failing at it all, know that you’re not alone, and support is available. You can find Amanda and other amazing coaches on the TaskHuman platform to help you through the journey of life and parenting.
Engage with the full podcast recording below: