Parent Mental Health Day: Understanding Stress & 5 Ways to Boost Calm at Home

A parent and child at one of our termly Parent Events

Parenting is one of the most rewarding journeys in life, but it can also be one of the most exhausting. Between balancing work, home routines and children’s emotional needs, it’s no surprise many parents feel overwhelmed. As a day nursery and early years provider, we see every day how important your wellbeing is.

Parent Mental Health Day is a reminder that parents need care, rest and support too. When you feel regulated and reassured, your child thrives at home and here in our nursery.

Below, we explore the top stressors parents face today and share five simple, realistic ways to boost calm at home.

5 Ways Parents Can Reduce Stress at Home

1. Create Daily Micro‑Breaks

Self-care doesn’t have to be long or complicated. Short, consistent pauses help reset your nervous system.

Try:

• stepping outside for fresh air

• a few minutes of quiet with a warm drink

• simple breathing exercises

Tip: Set a 5‑minute “pause timer” once or twice a day. Tell the children, “This is Mum or Dad’s reset moment.” This also teaches children healthy boundaries and emotional regulation.

2. Simplify Routines Where You Can

Parents often feel stressed because of decision fatigue. Small simplifications make a big difference:

• rotate easy meals

• prepare clothes the night before

• use a shared family calendar

• declutter busy areas of the house

Simplifying routines reduces overwhelm and helps the whole family stay calmer.

3. Share the Load & Delegate

Parents often try to do everything alone—but delegating is a strength, not a weakness.

Try:

• age‑appropriate chores

• sharing drop-offs with another parent

• letting older children help prepare snacks or lunches

When children contribute, they develop independence and feel connected to family life.

4. Create a “Calm‑Down Corner” for Everyone

This isn’t just for children! A quiet area with cushions, soft lighting or calming sensory items can create a moment of peace for anyone who needs it.

This space:

• teaches emotional regulation

• encourages independence

• gives parents’ permission to pause too

5. Set Healthy Boundaries Around Technology & Work

When notifications and household tasks creep into every spare moment, your brain never truly rests.

Try:

• no phones during family mealtimes

• a cut‑off time for housework

• a 30‑minute “decompression period” after work before parenting duties resume

Healthy boundaries create mental breathing space for you and emotional consistency for your child.

“Parent mental health matters just as much as children’s wellbeing. When parents feel supported, listened to and reassured, children thrive too. At our setting, we believe caring for families means caring for the whole child and everyone in the family.”— Cheri, Rosedene Stokesley Forest School

How Rosedene Supports Parents’ Wellbeing

At Rosedene, the wellbeing of our children always comes first - closely followed by the wellbeing of our wonderful parents. As a trusted day nursery and baby nursery, we aim to ensure every family feels supported, confident and connected.

1. Reassurance From Day One

Whether your child is joining our baby room or transitioning from home to nursery for the first time, we understand how emotional the journey can be.

No question is too big or too small, we’re always available to reassure, guide and support you.

2. At‑Home Learning Packs

To help parents continue learning at home, we offer simple, hands‑on learning packs. These aren’t homework—they’re fun, play‑based activities that help your child explore the world just as they do in nursery.

3. Parent Events Every Term

We regularly invite parents into our nurseries for activities such as:

sip‑and‑paint evenings

• calming baby yoga

• interactive stay‑and‑plays

These opportunities allow you to see what your child is learning, meet other parents and feel part of our community.

You’re Not Alone: Support Is Always Available

Parent Mental Health Day is not about perfection. It’s about acknowledging that parenting is

complex, beautiful and sometimes overwhelming—and that your mental health deserves support.

If you ever want to talk, our nursery managers are always here with a kind, professional ear. For additional support, charities such as Mind list organisations designed to help parents and families.