Today is Parent Mental Health Day. If you’re a parent, today is a reminder to prioritise looking after yourself. Being both a parent and a student can be overwhelming, and while it may sound cliché, the saying “you can’t pour from an empty cup” is absolutely true. For many student parents, your motivation for going to university is rooted in improving your children’s quality of life and setting a powerful example that, with resilience and hard work, success is achievable. Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop the parent guild that often comes when you’re no longer as present for your child. Balancing additional reading, coursework, helping with homework, managing the school run, and sometimes working can feel like an uphill battle. Missing school plays or birthdays because of an exam or coursework deadline can leave you feeling as though there aren’t enough hours in the day. This constant juggling act can lead to parental burnout. Burnout might manifest as physical or emotional exhaustion, feelings of guilt or shame for not being the parent you once were, emotional disconnection from your children, or feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of parenthood.
Tips to Help Student Parents
1. Recognise the Challenges (and Be Kind to Yourself)
First of all, admit to yourselves that what you’re trying to achieve is hard – just because other people have done it, doesn’t mean it’s easy. As a student parent, you might feel overwhelmed or stretched too thin at times. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on progress. Celebrate small victories like submitting an assignment on time or getting your child ready for school without a meltdown. Being kind to yourself can help reduce the mental burden.
2. Make Time for Self-Care
Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Even small acts, like enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, attending an Active Brunel yoga session or taking a short walk, can recharge your mental and emotional batteries. Schedule “me time” into your calendar—even if it’s just 15 minutes a day—to focus on your wellbeing.
3. Set Boundaries and Prioritise
Learn to say no when you need to. It’s okay to decline additional responsibilities if they’re going to add undue stress. Create a realistic schedule that prioritises your top commitments and allows for flexibility when unexpected parenting challenges arise.
4. Know When to Seek Help
If you’re feeling consistently overwhelmed, anxious, or low, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. You can refer yourself to Brunel counselling team or external support services (see below). They can help you develop coping strategies and support you on your journey to mental wellness. There’s no shame in seeking support; it’s a sign of strength.
Support Services for Parents
Family Lives
Family Lives provides individual and group parenting support to parents and carers and their families experiencing emotional and mental health challenges. Family Lives provide support and guidance for families of children and young people aged 0-18 (0-25 for children with SEND),
Website: https://www.familylives.org.uk/
Tel: 0808 800 2222
WhatsApp: 07441 444125
Email: services@familylives.org.uk / askus@familylives.org.uk
Action For Children
Action for Children work with communities to offer practical and caring support to children and families. They help to improve the lives of children, young people, and families in the UK. Action for Child deliver Parent Talk, which is a free advice online for parents of children aged 0-19.
Website: https://parents.actionforchildren.org.uk/
WhatsApp: 07700174470
Family Action
Family Action is a UK charity that provides practical, emotional, and financial support to families in need. They work with families to help them find solutions to problems, such as domestic abuse, mental health issues, and financial hardship. They provide free emotional support and guidance on parenting.
Website: https://family-action.org.uk/
Email: familyline@family-action.org.uk
Textphone: 07537 404 282
Helpline: 0808 802 6666 (Mon- Fri, 9am– 9pm)
Gingerbread
Gingerbread is a charity that provides information and advice to single parents, which can help them support their families and cope with stress. They provide support and advice to single parents on a wide range of topics including money, benefits, housing, employment, separation, bereavement, education and child maintenance.
Website: https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/talk-to-us/
Helpline: 0808 802 0925
Textphone: Text the word GINGER to 85258 and start a conversation with a trained Shout volunteer (24 Hours)
Daddilife
DaddiLife is a platform and online community focused on modern fatherhood, providing a space for dads to connect, share experiences, and discuss challenges related to being a contemporary father in today's world; essentially, it aims to redefine and celebrate the modern dad experience by offering support and insights on parenting practices and work-life balance issues faced by fathers
Website: https://www.daddilife.com/
References
https://www.opinionpanel.co.uk/2023/08/16/juggling-motherhood-and-university-tips-and-support-from-one-mum-to-another/
https://parents.actionforchildren.org.uk/home-family-life/parent-mental-health/parental-burnout-exhaustion/
https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/2023/02/parental-burnout-symptoms-tips
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/may/22/exhausted-disconnected-and-fed-up-what-is-parental-burnout-and-what-can-you-do-about-it