In this final part of our 3-part series, we step back and look at the bigger picture: What’s actually going on with our teens today—and why it’s leaving so many parents feeling exhausted, confused, and out of tools.
If you’ve been wondering, “Why am I so wiped out right now—and why does parenting feel this hard?”—you’re not alone.
Many parents of teens are experiencing a state of quiet overload. Emotional exhaustion, mental strain, disconnection, and constant conflict can combine into a perfect storm—and often, we don’t even realise how much we’re carrying until something snaps.
Understanding what fuels your overwhelm is the first step toward managing it.
When you can name and understand some of the pressures you face, it becomes easier to show compassion for both yourself and your teen.
We know that awareness won’t solve everything, but it will restore your sense of control amid the chaos. From that position, it’s easier to remain steady, reconnect with your teen, and care for yourself as well.
Emotional Exhaustion
“It’s like I’m always bracing for the next meltdown—or shutdown.”
Teen mood swings and defiance can feel like constant emotional whiplash.
Parents are often absorbing their teen’s stress on top of their own (think school pressure, friendships, social anxiety, screen addiction).
Many feel like they’re “walking on eggshells” to avoid triggering their teen.
Mental Load Overload
“I’m the family manager, emotional coach, and personal assistant—and I haven’t had a break in months.”
Parents need to juggle school logistics, extracurriculars, work, and family dynamics.
Many are managing their teens’ academic pressure, health (including mental health), and future decisions like subject choices or uni pathways.
Constant multitasking leaves no room for clear thinking or self-care.
Screen Time & Social Media Battles
“It’s like I’m always bracing for the next meltdown—or shutdown.”
Parents are constantly worrying about their teen’s screen addiction, online safety, and toxic social media content.
Parents often feel powerless to set limits without sparking conflict.
Disconnection & Loneliness
“They used to tell me everything—now I get one-word answers, or closed doors.”
Teens pulling away can leave parents grieving the closeness they once had.
Some feel shut out or unsure how to connect anymore.
Some parents may feel a bit embarrassed to admit this, so many keep it to themselves.
Pressure to “Get It Right”
There is so much conflicting advice on parenting teens: gentle parenting, tough love, boundaries, therapy, resilience training.
Parents feel judged, confused, and unsure about what’s “right” for their teen.
Post-Pandemic Burnout
“I thought things would get easier after the pandemic… but they haven’t.”
The lasting impacts of lockdowns are still real—teens are still catching up socially and emotionally, and parents are still recovering from survival mode.
Many parents never had time to properly decompress.
How you feel is valid and worth paying attention to.
It’s not just about understanding the types of overwhelm and what’s happening with you and your teen. It’s identifying and validating where the pressure is coming from.
You can then begin to respond with clarity and care—for yourself, and for your teen.
This is the GOOD NEWS is that now that you understand what’s going on, you can make the small, steady changes that support both you and your teen.
You’ve got this!
Head on over to Part 1 if you missed it: How to cope with the overwhelm (for YOU)
And Part 2 : Here’s how to respond to your teen: you don’t need to fix everything. You just need to connect.
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