Do you have a kiddo who seems to make a career out of arguing, begging, or otherwise trying to wear you down? Parents tell me all the time how exhausting and frustrating this is—and I get it.

It’s not just annoying; it’s one of the ways your child nudges you into a stress cycle. You probably know the feeling: your heart starts to race, your muscles tense up, and your emotions build to the point where you just want it all to stop. And sometimes, the easiest way to make it stop feels like giving in.

But what if there was another way?

Here’s the deal: when your body goes into stress mode, it’s flooded with hormones that prepare you to act. That’s useful in emergencies, but in parenting, it can leave you feeling reactive, drained, and stuck in a cycle of chronic stress.

The good news? You don’t have to stay stuck.

You can complete the stress cycle.

That doesn’t mean eliminating the stressor (your persistent, determined kiddo) or solving every problem on the spot. It means giving your body and mind a moment to process the stress and reset.

When you take time to reset, you’re not just doing it for yourself. You’re doing it so you can show up for your kids in a calmer, more centered way.

In this week’s podcast I unpack the stress cycle and how to break free.

Next time you’re in the thick of a high-stress parenting moment, remember this: stepping away to take care of your stress isn’t selfish—it’s essential. It’s a small but powerful way to take care of yourself and your family.

You’ve got this. And if you need someone in your corner, I’m here.

Drop me a line at wendyleejohnsoncoaching@gmail.com