When You Feel Like You’re Failing as a Parent
Honest Reflections on Struggles, Surrender, and Strength in Christ
Honest Reflections on Struggles, Surrender, and Strength in Christ
There have been moments in my parenting journey where I truly felt like I was failing. Not just slipping up—but failing. One of the hardest moments came when I was unexpectedly fired from my job. I was devastated. I began questioning everything—my choices, my worth, and whether I was really capable of being the parent my children needed.
At first, I tried to keep it together. I put on a brave face, hoping my kids wouldn’t notice. But children are incredibly perceptive. My change in routine and mood didn’t go unnoticed. One day, my daughter looked at me and asked gently, “Mom, are you working?” Tears welled up as I quietly answered, “No.”
That moment broke me—and built me at the same time.
It forced me to be honest, not just with my children, but with myself. Something had happened, something big. And instead of hiding it, I had to face it with faith. That season taught me to truly trust God’s will for my life. Jesus never promised life would be easy—in fact, He told us there would be suffering. But He also told us we’re never alone in it.
Even in my darkest moments, when doubt tried to consume me, I held on to the light of Christ. That light reminded me that every trial is a testing of faith. And every test has the potential to become a powerful testimony. The enemy may try to knock us down—but Jesus has already won the battle. Once I remembered that truth, I found peace in the middle of what felt like defeat.
Another time I felt like a failure was when my daughter was being bullied at school. To see her—this bright, joyful, kind-hearted soul—being mistreated broke my heart. I encouraged her to talk to me, and as she shared her pain, she asked, “Why don’t they like me?” I nearly cried. I had no perfect answer, but I gently told her, “It’s not you, it’s them. They see something in you that they don’t have—something beautiful. It’s the light of God shining through you.”
That truth hit me deeply, too. As parents, we want to protect our children from everything. But the world is hard, and people can be cruel. Still, we can guide our children toward the One who gives rest and peace.
Matthew 11:28–30 (KJV)
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
EQUIP: Apply the Word
This scripture has carried me through many heavy seasons. I pray it reminds you too, that when life becomes overwhelming, Jesus offers rest—not just physical, but soul-deep peace.
ENCOURAGE: You’re Not Alone
As parents, we are not perfect—but we serve a perfect God. Jesus is our living example. We will stumble. We will feel unsure. But with God, we can endure, overcome, and rise again. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Ask God to guide you, to help you let go of pride or shame, and to give you the courage to walk in His grace.
For me, I had to surrender the pride that whispered, “You should have it all together.” Once I let that go, I was free to repent and receive the fullness of God’s plan for my life.
EMPOWER: Keep Going
To every parent, grandparent, and guardian reading this—I want to encourage you: keep fighting the good fight. Even in your hardest moments, your faith and honesty will speak volumes to your children.
If you're walking through a challenging season, don't be afraid to share age-appropriate truth with your family. Let them see how you lean on God. Give them a front-row seat to real-life faith in action.
You’re not failing. You’re growing. And your testimony is being written—one surrendered moment at a time.
