Maybe today you didn't get anything accomplished.
The laundry is still there. The dishes are still in the sink. The house isn't picked up. You didn't answer the messages you meant to answer. Dinner might be something quick, something frozen, or something you haven't even figured out yet.
And maybe you spent more time than you'd like to admit just trying to get yourself out of bed.
That's okay.
Some days are harder than others.
Sometimes getting through the day takes everything you have.
Sometimes you're taking care of everyone else while quietly wondering who is going to take care of you.
And sometimes, especially when you're doing things on your own, it can feel like there isn't anyone to turn to.
You Are Still Doing Your Best
We put so much pressure on ourselves to keep everything moving.
Be a good parent.
Keep the house clean.
Make meals.
Get everyone where they need to go.
Keep up with work.
Pay the bills.
Remember the appointments.
Make sure the kids have what they need.
And somehow, we're supposed to take care of ourselves somewhere in the middle of all of that.
But life doesn't always work that way.
There are days when you're tired.
Days when you're overwhelmed.
Days when you're frustrated.
Days when you're angry.
Days when you're sad.
Days when you simply don't feel like yourself.
Having a hard day doesn't mean you're failing.
It means you're human.
Taking Care of Another Life Is Hard
Whether you're a brand-new parent, you've been doing this for years, or you're caring for someone else, taking care of another person is a huge responsibility.
There are so many things that people don't see.
The worrying.
The planning.
The financial stress.
The sleepless nights.
The constant decisions.
The emotional exhaustion.
The feeling that everyone needs something from you when you aren't sure how much you have left to give.
And if you're new to parenting or navigating a completely different season of life, it can be overwhelming.
Sometimes you don't even know what you're feeling.
You just know that you're tired.
It's okay to admit that.
And If You're Angry, You're Not Alone Either
Anger is something we don't always talk about.
Sometimes stress, exhaustion, fear, frustration, or feeling completely overwhelmed can come out as anger.
Maybe you're snapping at people more than usual.
Maybe little things suddenly feel huge.
Maybe you feel like you're constantly on edge.
That doesn't mean you're a bad person or a bad parent.
But it can be a sign that you need some support.
There are people who can listen without judging you, help you understand what you're feeling, and help you find healthier ways to handle those difficult moments.
Asking for help with anger or overwhelming emotions isn't something to be ashamed of.
Sometimes asking for help is one of the strongest things you can do.
You Don't Have to Find Someone Who Has Lived Your Exact Story
Sometimes we tell ourselves:
"Nobody would understand."
And maybe they haven't lived through exactly what you're experiencing.
They may not know what it's like to be in your home, manage your responsibilities, worry about your finances, care for your children, or carry the things you've been carrying.
But they can still listen.
They can help you find resources.
They can help you figure out what your next step could be.
They can point you toward someone who may be able to help.
And sometimes, you don't need someone who has experienced your exact situation.
You just need someone who is willing to listen and help you find your way forward.
There Is No Shame in Needing Help
This is something we really want families to hear:
You should never be ashamed because you need help.
There is no prize for struggling silently.
There is no award for doing everything alone.
Needing help today doesn't mean you're going to need it forever.
Maybe you need groceries.
Maybe you need diapers.
Maybe you're looking for housing.
Maybe you need transportation.
Maybe you're trying to find childcare.
Maybe you're looking for a job.
Maybe you're struggling with your mental health.
Maybe you're angry and don't know what to do with those feelings.
Maybe you need someone to talk to about becoming a parent.
Maybe breastfeeding or pumping isn't going the way you expected.
Maybe you're exhausted and simply need someone to help you find where to start.
You don't have to know exactly what you need before you ask for help.
Sometimes the first step is simply being able to say:
"I'm having a hard time, and I don't know where to start."
You don't have to have the perfect words.
If You Need Help, Start Here
KindNest wants this blog to be more than something you read and then close.
If something in this post sounds like you, here are a few places where you can start looking for support.
Counseling & Mental Health Support
If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, angry, stressed, or simply not like yourself, talking with a counselor can be a good place to start.
Genesee Health System offers behavioral health services, counseling, behavioral health urgent care, mobile crisis support, and other mental health services for people in Genesee County.
Family Service Agency of Mid-Michigan provides counseling and family-focused services in the Flint area.
You can also use Michigan 211 to search for counseling, mental health, family, housing, food, transportation, and other services throughout Michigan.
Feeling Angry? There Is Help for That Too
If anger has become difficult to manage, you don't have to simply tell yourself to "calm down" and hope things get better.
There are programs specifically designed to help people understand their triggers, manage stress, communicate differently, and develop healthier ways of responding.
Hope Network Connexions offers programs that include anger management, parenting education, family conflict resolution, and teen-parent conflict resolution.
New Paths Inc. also offers behavioral health services, including anger-management support focused on recognizing stressors and learning ways to manage reactions.
If you need a program for a specific requirement, including something court-related, always confirm the program's current requirements before enrolling.
Breastfeeding & Lactation Support
Breastfeeding doesn't always go exactly the way we imagined it would.
Maybe you're having trouble with latching.
Maybe you're worried about milk supply.
Maybe pumping has become overwhelming.
Maybe you're experiencing pain.
Maybe you simply have questions and want someone who knows what they're talking about.
You don't have to figure it out alone.
YOLO Lactation and Doula Services provides lactation support, doula care, and education for families in the Flint and Genesee County area.
You can also contact the Genesee County Health Department/WIC about breastfeeding education, pumping support, counseling, classes, and support groups.
Pregnancy & Postpartum Mental Health
Having a baby can bring a lot of emotions.
You can love your baby and still feel overwhelmed.
You can be grateful and still feel exhausted.
You can be excited and still feel anxious.
You can want to be a parent and still struggle with the transition.
Postpartum Support International offers support and resources for people experiencing perinatal mental health challenges, including support groups, provider referrals, and peer support.
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-833-852-6262 for pregnant and postpartum mothers in the United States.
Don't Know What Kind of Help You Need?
That's okay.
You don't have to search ten different websites trying to figure out which program is right for you.
Start with Michigan 211.
You can call 211 or search Michigan 211's online resource database for food, housing, utilities, transportation, clothing, family support, health care, and other services.
For Genesee County specifically, Find Help Mid-Michigan can help connect residents with services involving medical care, food, housing, job training, transportation, utilities, substance use, and other needs.
You can also call or text 810-953-2427.
And You Can Always Start With KindNest
You don't have to know which organization to call.
You don't have to know exactly what program you qualify for.
You don't have to have the perfect explanation.
You can start by reaching out to KindNest.
KindNest's Resource Library includes resources for families, caregivers, mothers, children, housing, mental health, food, parenting, and other areas of family support.
If you need direct assistance with family essentials, you can also Request Support from KindNest.
We may not have every answer ourselves.
But we can help you look for one.
If You Know Someone Who Needs Help
Maybe this isn't you.
Maybe it's your sister.
Your daughter.
Your friend.
Your neighbor.
The mom you see at school.
The person you work with.
Sometimes people are ashamed to ask for help.
Sometimes they don't know where to start.
Sometimes they're afraid someone will judge them.
You can be the person who helps them take that first step.
You can share this post.
You can send them a resource.
You can help them make a phone call.
Or you can reach out to KindNest on their behalf and ask where they might be able to start.
So, If Today Was Hard...
If you didn't accomplish anything today, you're still here.
If all you managed to do was get yourself and your kids through the day, that counts.
If you needed to rest, that's okay.
If you cried, that's okay.
If you felt overwhelmed, you're not the only one.
If you got angry, there is help.
If you don't know where to start, there are people who can help you find a starting point.
And if today wasn't your best day, tomorrow doesn't have to look exactly like today.
Give yourself a little grace.
You don't have to have everything figured out.
You don't have to be strong every minute.
You don't have to do everything alone.
Sometimes getting out of bed is enough.
Sometimes making it through the day is enough.
And sometimes, the next step is simply letting someone help you.
You Are Not Alone
KindNest wants families to know that needing help doesn't make you weak.
It doesn't make you a bad parent.
It doesn't mean you've failed.
It means you're human.
We all need help sometimes.
So if you need someone in your corner, let KindNest be part of your village.
And if you know a family who may need support, share KindNest with them.
Because sometimes a little help at the right moment can make a bigger difference than we realize.
You don't have to do this alone.
Resource Disclaimer
Resources listed in this article are provided for informational purposes and are intended to help families find a place to begin. KindNest does not endorse or guarantee any outside organization, program, service, provider, eligibility determination, cost, insurance coverage, availability, or response time. Services, hours, eligibility requirements, contact information, and program availability may change, so please contact each organization directly to confirm current information before seeking services.
KindNest also recognizes that every family's situation is different. If you are unsure which resource is right for you, you are welcome to contact KindNest and we can help you look for a place to start.
If you or someone else is experiencing an immediate emergency or is in danger, call 911. If you are experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis or are thinking about suicide, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.