Why It's OK to Feel Overwhelmed: Tips for Busy Moms Supporting Their Kids' Speech

Friday, January 10th, 2025

As a mom and a speech therapist, I understand how overwhelming it can feel to juggle everything life throws at you—all while trying to support your child’s speech and communication. The good news? You’re not alone, and it’s okay to feel this way. Parenting is hard work, and adding speech therapy goals into your daily routine can feel like just one more thing on your to-do list. But there’s hope. Let’s talk about why those feelings are valid and I will share some tips to help lighten the load.

Here's What I Want You to Realize:

1. Recognize That Overwhelm Is Normal

Being a mom often means wearing many hats: caregiver, teacher, chef, planner, cleaner, cheerleader, and sometimes, therapist. It’s normal to feel stretched thin. I feel it everyday and I am working on giving myself some grace because I know I deserve it. And you do too. When you’re supporting your child’s speech, you might feel an added layer of pressure to “get it right.” The truth is, feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you care deeply about your child’s progress. Acknowledge these feelings without judgment—they’re a natural part of the journey.

2. Find Small Ways to Incorporate Speech Goals

You don’t need to set aside an hour every day to work on speech therapy goals. In fact, some of the best practice happens during everyday routines and activities. Here are a few easy ideas:

• Mealtime preparation: Narrate what you’re doing as you prepare or serve food (“I’m cutting the apple. Yum, juicy apple!”). Encourage your child to name or comment on their favorite foods. Have your child participate by stirring, cracking an egg, getting items from the refrigerator.

• Playtime: Use playtime to model language. For example, if your child is playing with blocks, you can comment, “Wow, That's a tall tower!" "Blocks up!" "Crash!" "Blocks down."

• Car Rides: Turn car ride into practice time! Name objects you see out the window (“Look, a truck!”), sing songs, ask questions. If your child is working on speech sounds, the car is a great time to practice!

By adding speech goals into your routine, you’re building skills in a way that feels natural and manageable. There's no need to sit down at a table like you're doing "homework."

3. Prioritize Connection Over Perfection

It’s easy to get caught up in trying to check every box or reach every milestone. But the most important thing you can do is connect with your child. Celebrate the small wins, like a new word or sound, and let go of the pressure to be perfect. Your child benefits most when they feel loved, supported, and encouraged—not when everything goes exactly as planned.

4. Lean on Your People

You don’t have to do this alone. Whether it’s a spouse, friend, grandparent, or your child’s therapist, ask for help when you need it. Share what you’re working on with others in your child’s life so they can reinforce those skills, too. Collaboration makes the load lighter and helps your child hear consistent language across different environments.

THINGS TO REMEMBER: 

You are doing an incredible job, even when it doesn’t feel like it. Remind yourself that progress takes time, and it’s okay to take breaks. Take moments for yourself—whether that’s enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, taking a walk, or spending time on a hobby. A well-rested, cared-for mom is better equipped to support her child.

Speech development is a journey, and every child’s path looks different. Celebrate the progress you see, no matter how small, and trust that with time, patience, and support, your child will get there. Remember, you don’t have to have all the answers—your role is to love and encourage your child along the way.

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. In fact, it’s a sign of how much you care about your child’s growth and happiness. By finding small ways to incorporate speech practice, prioritizing connection, and leaning on your support network, you can make this journey more manageable for both you and your child. You’ve got this, mama—one step at a time.