Talk to Someone You Trust About Your Feelings

Ever feel like your brain is a browser with 47 tabs open, and at least 12 of them are playing 'Wheels on the Bus' on loop? Sometimes you just need to word-vomit at someone who won’t judge you for admitting you hid in the bathroom for five extra minutes. If you’ve ever wanted to scream into a pillow or text your bestie ‘send help,’ this is your sign: phone a friend, vent, and remember—no one’s parenting highlight reel is real.

Talking about your feelings reduces stress, lowers your cortisol, and keeps your brain from short-circuiting into ‘parental robot mode.’ It helps you process emotions instead of bottling them up until you snap over spilled milk (literally). For kids, seeing you talk things out models healthy emotional habits—so you’re basically raising a tiny emotional genius.

How to do it

First, pick your person—someone who won’t respond to “I’m exhausted” with “Just enjoy every moment!” (cue eye roll).

Set aside five minutes, even if it’s while hiding in the laundry room.

Be honest; you don’t have to be funny or inspiring. Just say what’s real.

Listen in return, or simply accept the virtual hug.

Bonus points for swapping memes or GIFs.

Tips:

  • Choose someone supportive and understanding.
  • Don’t worry about sounding perfect—authenticity matters more.
  • Even a short check-in can make a big difference.
  • Lighten the mood with a funny meme or GIF if you feel like it.

When you find yourself sighing dramatically (again) after a toddler meltdown.

Send a quick text that says, ‘today was rough. got a minute?’
Smile, pat yourself on the back, or do a tiny fist pump for reaching out instead of bottling it up.
Save your trusted person's contact as a favorite or pin your group chat for easy access.

Right after the kids go to bed and you finally sit down (even if it’s just for 90 seconds).

Leave a voice memo or just send a ‘thinking of you—parenting is wild’ message.
Sip your drink of choice and savor the fact that you’re not alone in the chaos.
Set a recurring reminder on your phone: ‘Check in with someone who gets it.’

When you catch yourself staring blankly at the wall, wondering if you’re the only one.

Send that meme/gif to your trusted person with a ‘me today’ caption.
Laugh at your own meme game and enjoy the instant connection.
Find a meme or gif that perfectly sums up your mood and save it to your phone.