Parenting is a journey filled with love, and the occasional moment where you wonder how someone so small can create so much chaos. 

When parents start to feel overwhelmed (usually somewhere between the third tantrum and the cold cup of coffee), children tend to pick up on that tension. Before you know it, stress and tricky behaviours start bouncing back and forth like a game no one agreed to play, making life feel harder for everyone. This cycle can be especially noticeable in families with children who have developmental delays, but the truth is, every family, no matter how together they look on the outside, feels it too.

In this article, we share practical, expert tips from parents who also happen to be professional naturopaths. Because when you’re deep in the parenting trenches, and it all feels a bit relentless, advice that’s been lived and learned can make all the difference.

A long-term study following 237 families over seven years found that parental stress and children’s behaviour are tightly linked, each feeding the other in a two-way loop. When parents feel stressed, children are more likely to act out; when children show challenging behaviours, parental stress rises in response. Left unchecked, this cycle can intensify, but the encouraging news is that it can also be eased with the right support. The researchers found this pattern affects both mothers and fathers, and that addressing both sides of the relationship—parent and child together—is key to breaking the cycle. For families of children with developmental delays, the stress–behaviour connection is even stronger, underscoring the need for more tailored, compassionate support.

That’s the science. In real life, though, it’s often easier said than done. There’s no magic fix—but here’s what our naturopaths, drawing from their own parenting journeys, say made the biggest difference when things felt hardest.

Tracey’s Story: Boundaries, Attention, and Sleep

Tracey, a naturopath and mother of three daughters, shares that when her daughters became overstimulated, she’d guide them to a quiet space with a coloring book or homemade playdough. “Teaching my girls strong and consistent boundaries, what was right and wrong, took away some of their stress. They knew how far they could go, which gave them clarity and confidence,” she explains.

Tracey emphasises the power of full attention: “Whenever my youngest shares her concerns, I stop what I’m doing and look her in the eyes. She feels heard and emotionally secure.” She also prioritises sleep, ensuring her girls sleep in very dark rooms to promote deep rest and lower cortisol, the stress hormone. For supplements, Tracey found creative ways to introduce calming nutrients, like magnesium—hiding Magnesium Supplements like Fibroplex MagActive Kids Powder in blackcurrant juice as her go-to supplement hack.

In summary, these are the eight key themes, road-tested by our practitioner parents, that help support calm and reduce parenting stress.

1. Create Predictable Routines: Regular mealtimes, bedtime rituals, and daily rhythms help children feel secure and reduce anxiety.

2. Prioritise Sleep: Deep, uninterrupted sleep lowers stress hormones and supports emotional regulation for both kids and adults.

3. Practice Mindful Attention: Give your child your full focus during conversations. Eye contact and active listening foster emotional security.

4. Set Clear Boundaries: Consistent rules and expectations help children understand limits, reducing uncertainty and stress.

5. Build a Support Network: Lean on family, friends, and community groups. Sharing the load makes challenges more manageable.

6. Model Calm and Self-Regulation: Parents who manage their own stress teach children valuable coping skills.

7. Use Kid-Friendly Supplements: Natural products like magnesium can help relax the nervous system. Look for formulas designed for children, such as Calm Care for Kids and Fibroplex MagActive Kids Raspberry Magnesium Powder. For adults, MetaRelax and NeuroCalm can help soften mental strain. 

8. Encourage Creative Calm: Activities like coloring, playdough, and gentle sensory play can soothe overstimulated children.