7 Surprisingly Tiring Aspects of Parenting

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We all understand that parenting can be draining. From those early months of sleepless nights to running after your little ones at the park, to the chaos of bath time, it can be exhausting. But it’s not just the big moments that leave us feeling wiped out. It’s the little things—those everyday tasks that shouldn’t be a big deal but somehow send us sprinting to the coffee pot. Here are some examples:

1. Smiling: You’ve got to flash that grin when you’re happy, when you’re not, when they do something amazing, and even when a meltdown strikes at the supermarket. It’s like you’re forced to wear a smile 24/7. Sure, science claims it’s harder to frown than to smile, but my smile muscles are not convinced. Keeping that smile on is tougher than it looks!
2. Talking: Remember when having a normal conversation was a breeze? Now you find yourself enthusiastically cheering “good job!” every time your child does something minor like going down the slide or stacking blocks. Plus, explaining life lessons or movie plots for the 81st time is exhausting. Public speakers may get paid to do their thing, but where’s my paycheck?
3. Listening: If you’re not chatting, you’re on the receiving end of a non-stop monologue. Kids have an endless stream of thoughts to share, and they’re completely oblivious to your need for silence. By the end of the day, I’m so drained from all the listening that I can’t even handle the sound of my favorite song or the comforting pour of whiskey into my drink.
4. Affection: Kids have this uncanny ability to drain your energy with their constant need for closeness. They’re on you, near you, tugging at you, and just when you think you can have a moment to yourself, your partner wants to snuggle too? Seriously?! After a day filled with affection, the idea of floating in a sensory deprivation chamber sounds heavenly.
5. Errands: I’m not talking about big trips to the grocery store. Even a short walk to the mailbox can turn into an epic journey. Kids stop for every pine cone, dirt pile, and stick they encounter. I just want to know if my magazine has arrived, but it could take an eternity to find out. Maybe I should bring snacks and water for this mini-adventure.
6. Chores: Before kids, cleaning the bathroom was a quick task. Now it feels like a weekend project, and that’s if I start during naptime. It’s not that I’m a poor housekeeper; it’s just that letting the kids “help” or pulling them out of the sink for the umpteenth time drains me to the point where I feel accomplished if I just manage to sprinkle some cleaner in the toilet—at least it smells fresh!
7. Hygiene: We’ve all heard the jokes about how a mom deserves an award for managing to shower twice a week. But hygiene is more than just showers; there’s shaving, nail clipping, and dental care. With time always lacking, I often multitask—trimming nails while letting hair dye work its magic. By the time I’m done, I’m too exhausted to even admire the results in the mirror.

Just trying to be a clean, functioning human shouldn’t be so tiring, but kids make even the simplest tasks feel like a marathon. So, after a long day, treat yourself to a little chocolate—alone, in your own quiet space.

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Summary: Parenting is a demanding journey that involves not just big challenges but also surprisingly tiring daily activities. From the emotional labor of constant smiling and enthusiastic talking to the fatigue that comes from endless listening and affection, it can feel overwhelming. Even simple errands and chores become major undertakings. At the end of the day, it’s essential to carve out some time for yourself.