Making Sense of the Hard Bits of Parenting — You're Allowed to Struggle Too

She Snippets for She Speaks Podcast Series 3 — Making Sense of the Hard Bits of Parenting

Episode Overview

We say "take care of yourself first" like it's simple. But when you're in the middle of a child's meltdown—doubting your abilities, worrying about other people's judgments, genuinely frightened by the intensity of all these emotions—self-care can feel impossible.

In this snippet, Delyse Clayden acknowledges what so many parents feel but rarely say: managing a child's intense emotions is exhausting, and it triggers our own strong reactions. Small children can be surprisingly destructive, and that can be devastating. This episode gives you permission to struggle—and practical strategies for both caring for yourself and helping your child learn from what happened.

This Episode
Delyse shares strategies for managing your own responses during meltdowns, plus how to reflect and rehearse with your child afterwards. We explore:

•  Acknowledge it's hard
• Self-care in the storm
• Meltdowns aren't defiance
• Reflect and rehearse
•  Ask curious questions
• Practice alternatives
• Acknowledge their efforts
• ABC journaling
• Prevention for tantrums
•  For inflexible children
•  Co-design calm-down kits
• Celebrate small wins
• When to reach out

Quotable Moments
"Managing a child's intense emotions is exhausting, and they can really trigger your own strong reactions." — Delyse Clayden

"A meltdown isn't a deliberate act of defiance towards you." — Delyse Clayden

"You're not expected to handle everything alone." — Delyse Clayden

"If you feel afraid, exhausted, or overwhelmed... there are times when you really must reach out to get some support." — Delyse Clayden

About Your Hosts
Professor Narelle Lemon is a researcher, educator, and passionate advocate for women's wellbeing based at Edith Cowan University in Perth. Creator of She Speaks and the Citizen Wellbeing Scientist project, Narelle has dedicated over 25 years to one powerful belief: self-care is not selfish—it's essential.

Delyse Clayden is an experienced educator, disability advocate, and mother of three. Specialising in Anxiety, Autism, and working with siblings, Delyse brings both personal and professional experience to her advocacy work. Her unique perspective as both an educator and a parent living alongside additional needs allows her to connect authentically with families.

Connect With Us

•       Follow She Speaks on Instagram: @shespeakswellbeingstrategies

•       Visit our website: www.shespeakswellbeing.com

A Note on Wellbeing

She Speaks is dedicated to amplifying women's voices on self-care and wellbeing. While we share personal experiences and practical strategies, please remember that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health support. If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a qualified mental health practitioner.

She Speaks is proudly supported by the Western Australian Government and Department of Communities Women's Grants for a Stronger Future Grants Program.

She Speaks Podcast was recorded on the lands of the Whadjuk Nyoongar people. We respectfully acknowledge our elders past, present, and emerging.