Episode 392: When You Have Nothing Left to Give (and Feel Guilty About It)

You know your child is having a hard time. You can even name what might help. But after a full day of working, managing, and responding to everyone's needs, all you can think is: "I have nothing left." Then comes the guilt: Shouldn't a caring parent be able to do more?

But what happens when feeling bad about having nothing left makes you even less able to handle what's in front of you? It's a cycle many caring parents get caught in, without even realizing what's making the moment so much harder.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How the "capacity spiral" leaves you more depleted—and why knowing what to do can sometimes make it worse • Why even a small reaction from your child can feel like more than you can handle • Two questions to help you decide what truly needs your energy and what you can let go of right now

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FREE RESOURCE: Does your child have a narrow zone of tolerance?

Talk to Rachel about getting support