Becoming a stay-at-home parent was one of the most rewarding—and hardest—roles I’ve taken on. I didn’t expect the loneliness, the constant pressure to be “on,” or the way my own mental health challenges would resurface when I had no break. I struggled with anxiety, burnout, and self-doubt, wondering if I was really doing enough or being enough for my kids and myself. It took time, therapy, and a lot of trial and error to find a balance that worked: setting boundaries, asking for help, and learning to value my own needs alongside my kids’. I know how isolating and overwhelming this role can be, and I want to help others protect their peace and thrive in the chaos.