Parenting is often described as one of the most rewarding jobs in the world—but let’s be honest, it can also be one of the most exhausting, frustrating, and stressful. In fact, some experts argue that parenting is more stressful than 98% of all jobs. Sounds extreme? Maybe not.
A study on parenting stress and cortisol levels in working mothers found that stress from raising kids doesn’t just stay in your head—it physically affects your body. (source) Add to that the sleep deprivation, emotional labour, financial strain, and constant worry, and it’s easy to see why so many parents feel like they’re barely keeping their heads above water.
The daily grind: why parenting feels harder than a job
Unlike most jobs that come with clear roles, schedules, and (hopefully) a lunch break, parenting is a 24/7 responsibility. There are no clocking in and out, no promotions, and definitely no annual leave. Here’s why it can feel even tougher than a full-time career:
sleep deprivation is real – Anyone who has cared for a newborn knows that a full night’s sleep is a distant memory. But even as kids grow older, parents often find themselves waking up for nightmares, late-night illnesses, or “I just need water” requests. Chronic sleep loss impacts concentration, mood, and even physical health.
no real downtime – Imagine a job where you’re constantly interrupted every few minutes, where your boss (a.k.a. your toddler) is completely unpredictable, and where you have to be available at all hours of the day and night. Parenting demands relentless attention, and unlike an office job, you can’t just switch off at 5 p.m.
emotional rollercoaster – One minute, your child is snuggling up to you saying, “I love you,” and the next, they’re throwing a tantrum because you gave them the wrong color cup. Managing both your own emotions and your child’s big feelings is mentally exhausting.
the financial strain – Childcare, school fees, clothes, food, extracurricular activities... the cost of raising a child keeps climbing. A recent study estimated that the average cost of raising a child to age 18 is well into six figures.
Real-life moments every parent can relate to
To really capture the stress of parenting, let’s look at a few situations shared by our users that umany parents know all too well:
the morning rush – You wake up late because your child was up at 3 a.m. screaming about a missing stuffed animal. You scramble to get everyone dressed, make breakfast (which your child refuses to eat), and get them out the door for school. By the time you finally sit down at your desk for work, you already feel like you’ve run a marathon
nursery/school pick-up politics – You show up to school pickup, only to find that some parents arrived 30 minutes early just to get a prime spot at the door. The competition to be the “perfect parent” is real, and it adds unnecessary stress to an already chaotic schedule.
the bedtime battle – You’ve made it to the end of the day, but now comes the challenge of getting your child to sleep. They suddenly develop an urgent need to discuss dinosaurs, demand another story, and refuse to sleep in their own bed. It’s exhausting, and by the time they’re finally asleep, you’re too tired to enjoy any quiet time for yourself.
How to handle the stress (without losing your mind)
If you’re feeling the weight of parenting stress, you’re not alone. Here are a few ways to lighten the load:
build your village – You don’t have to do it all alone. Whether it’s your partner, friends, family, or a parenting support group, lean on others when you need a break. In the Onoco app, you can find articles that help your close network understand what you might be going through. We hope that you will find sources of information to help you in your journey, making parenting a little less stressful.
let go of perfection – Social media makes it look like everyone else has it together, but behind the scenes, every parent is struggling with something. It’s okay if the house is messy or if dinner is frozen pizza. Your kids won’t remember spotless floors, but they will remember feeling loved.
prioritize self-care (yes, really) – It might feel impossible, but even five minutes of deep breathing, a short walk, or listening to music can make a difference. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
ask for help – If the stress feels overwhelming, talking to a therapist or counselor can be a game-changer. Parenting is hard, and sometimes we need extra support to manage the challenges.
involve others in childcare – Use the Onoco app to involve others in caring for your child, so you don’t have to carry the load alone.
Parenting is hard, but you’re doing great
At the end of the day, parenting might be more stressful than 98% of jobs, but it’s also filled with moments of pure joy—hugs after a long day, the pride in watching your child learn something new, and the love that makes all the exhaustion feel worthwhile.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. And remember: you’re doing an amazing job, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.
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