There are many days when I just want to break down and cry.
I can feel my eyes starting to tingle and the tears gathering, ready to spill.
But over time, I’ve learned how to recognize the signs—and how to stop a breakdown in its tracks.
Since becoming a mom, that edge-of-a-breakdown feeling happens far more often than I’d like to admit.
I’m overwhelmed with the pressure of my own life: Bills. Work. Trying to find a side hustle. Staying cute for me (and for my husband).
Keeping the house together. Cooking. Paying the bills… oh wait, I said that already.
Laugh out loud.
It’s a lot to juggle. And then, add two little ones into the mix—a baby and a toddler—both of whom depend on you for everything and want your full, undivided attention 99% of the time.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my kids deeply, and I’m so happy to be their mama. But sometimes? Sometimes I need a little space—A.K.A. me time.
So… how do I manage not to have a mental breakdown every single day?
Here are five things that truly help me:
1. I remind myself: This too shall pass.
I know it sounds cliché, but it’s the biggest mindset shift that keeps me going.
I’m fully aware that my babies won’t be babies forever.
One day they’ll grow up and not need me as much, and as fast as time flies, that day might come sooner than I expect.
I don’t want to look back and wish I had embraced these moments instead of rushing through them.
2. I sing (and remix songs on the spot).
Not always out loud—sometimes just in my head—but I’ll sing a song that lifts my mood.
I even make up silly remixes based on what’s happening.
Like the time both kids were screaming in the car and I sang to the tune of Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling”:
“I got this feeling inside my bones,
I’m gonna put both these babies to sleep when we get home.”
Funny? Yes. Helpful? Absolutely.
If you’ve got a remix of your own, drop it in the comments! A girl always needs a new tune to sing.
3. I stop what I’m doing and focus on them.
I find that I’m most overwhelmed when I’m trying to multitask—getting stuff done and tending to the kids.
If it’s not urgent, I stop and just be with them. I’ll get back to my to-do list later.
Sometimes, you just have to choose your kids, and everything else can wait.
4. I take a minute away—alone.
When I’m fed up, I take a beat. I make sure the kids are safe and then hide in the bathroom, the closet, wherever I can be alone for a few minutes.
I breathe. Regroup. It usually only takes 3–5 minutes for me, but take more time if you need it.
Yes, they may cry or call your name 1000 times. But block it out for just a moment. You can’t pour from an empty cup, mama.
5. I leave the kids with hubby and do something solo.
This doesn’t happen often, but when it does? It’s magic.
If you’re parenting solo, try to enlist a family member or trusted friend for a little break.
I might grab a snack, get my feet done, or drive to a nearby park. Just doing something that’s just for me makes a big difference.
Why These 5 Steps Work for Me
These 5 steps work because directly target the root causes of a mama meltdown: mental overload, lack of presence, emotional buildup, and disconnection from self. Here’s how each one helps:
Reminding myself “This too shall pass” brings perspective and helps me appreciate the moment rather than dread it.
Singing silly remixes shifts my energy and brings laughter when I need it most.
Stopping to be fully present with my kids helps me let go of the stress of multitasking, and taking just a few minutes alone helps me breathe, reset, and regulate my emotions.
And when I get that rare solo time—even just a quick drive or snack run—it’s a reminder that I’m still me, not just “mama.
Final Thoughts
These might seem like small things, but they help me get through the toughest days. They keep me grounded, calm, and capable of showing up with love instead of frustration. Give one (or all) of them a try—and let me know if it makes a difference.
And please share what works for you. I’m always down for more tips and tricks to keep the breakdowns at bay.
Until next time,
Off Script Mama
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