Every parent hits that moment—the one where stress takes over, patience runs out, and it feels like you’re about to lose it. What you do in that moment matters, not just for your child, but for you.
In this supportive episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron unpack what’s really happening when parents feel emotionally overwhelmed. They explain how stress hijacks our nervous system, why even the most mindful parents lose their cool, and what science-backed tools can help you regulate and reset in real time.
Dr. Allen and Dr. Caron share four practical strategies every parent can use when distress hits hard—plus a simple, evidence-based approach called the TIPP skill from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) that can quickly bring your body back to baseline.
Together, they explore:
Here are some highlights from the episode:
00:00 — How it Feels When You’re About to Lose It
01:32 — The Double Pressure: Caring for Kids and Aging Parents at the Same Time
02:38 — Tip #1: A Simple Way to Cope with Parenting Stress and Overwhelm
04:25 — The Power of Self-Compassion for Parents Under Stress
06:13 — Tip #2: Ditching the Comparison Trap in Modern Parenting
07:23 — Tip #3: Finding Supportive Friendships to Ease Parenting Overwhelm
11:45 — Tip #4: Letting Go of Unrealistic Expectations
13:49 — Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Its Benefits for Parents
14:18 — Using the TIPP Skill: A Proven DBT Technique for Crisis Moments
15:19 — How the “Temperature” Technique Helps Reset Your Emotional State
16:55 — How “Intense Exercise” Calms the Body During Stress
18:28 — “Paced Breathing”: A Science-Backed Way to Find Calm Fast
20:19 — “Progressive Muscle Relaxation”: Releasing Tension to Regain Balance
If you’ve ever found yourself on the verge of snapping—and wished you had a reset button—this episode will give you the tools, mindset, and compassion you need to stay grounded when parenting feels hardest.
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