A collective pressure

It’s funny how, as we grow older, the things that move us change. I remember the first time I experienced heartbreak—at the time, it felt like the worst pain I could ever feel. And as I grew older, I thought I had seen it all. But now, as a parent, I realise there’s a different kind of pain, one that doesn’t have anything to do with relationships but everything to do with responsibility. It’s a weight we carry as we try to navigate life, make ends meet, and give our children the world, all while managing the everyday pressures of adulthood.

When I had my kids, I never imagined life would be like this. I knew there would be challenges, but I didn’t foresee just how tough things could get. The cost of living has skyrocketed, and keeping up with bills and expenses feels overwhelming at times. Even when you try your best to save, to cut back, it never seems like enough. And yet, the hardest part isn’t necessarily the financial strain—it’s the emotional side of it all. The constant worry that we’re not doing enough for our children, that somehow, they’re missing out on something because we’re all stretched so thin.

I know I’m not alone in feeling this way. So many parents are navigating the same challenges—trying to balance work, family, and everything else life throws at us. Many are working multiple jobs just to keep afloat, and in doing so, we miss out on what truly matters—the precious time with our kids. I don’t work the standard 9-5, and I’m grateful that I’ve been able to create a job that fits around my family. But the reality is still the same: the constant pressure of trying to make everything work can sometimes leave me feeling exhausted, stretched thin, and unsure of whether I’m doing enough.

There are days when I wonder if I’m doing it all wrong. When I feel like I’ve cut back on everything, saved where I could, and still can’t seem to get ahead. The weight of the world starts to feel heavier, and I can’t help but feel guilty for not being able to provide more. But what I’ve realised over time is that there’s no perfect way to do this.

We are all just doing our best, in whatever way we can. And sometimes, just showing up and being present is enough.

We live in a world that demands a lot from us—often too much. It’s easy to feel like we have to work ourselves to the bone just to keep up, to provide everything we think our children need. The truth is, the world is so much faster, more expensive, and more complex than it was when we were kids. And that collective pressure is felt by all of us. Many of us are trying to provide a better life for our kids, but sometimes the weight of it all feels too much to carry.

But here’s the thing I keep coming back to: even when it feels like we can’t give them everything, we’re still giving them what they need the most—our love, our presence, and our effort. I know it’s hard to feel like we’re doing enough when it feels like there’s always something else to do, something else to fix. But just showing up—being there, being present, and giving all we can—is what really matters.

I know it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially in times like these. But we’re not alone in this. Every parent is feeling it—whether it’s the pressure of the financial strain, the guilt of not spending enough time together, or the simple exhaustion of trying to keep everything running smoothly. The key is to keep going, to keep showing up, and to remember that doing our best is more than enough.

To all the parents out there feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders, know that you’re not alone. You are doing your best, and that is enough.

You are enough.