“Am I Doing Enough?”: Navigating the Feelings of Inadequacy as a Parent
At some point, almost every parent has had this thought: I’m not doing enough.
Not enough at work.
Not enough at home.
Not enough for your partner.
Not enough for yourself.
You might be crushing deadlines, but missing bedtime.
You might be fully present with your children, but falling behind professionally.
You might carve out time for self-care, and then feel guilty for it.
If this sounds familiar, take a breath.
These feelings of inadequacy are incredibly common, especially among parents trying to juggle family, career, and personal well-being in today’s fast-paced world.
And feeling this way doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re carrying a lot.
Why So Many Canadian Parents Feel Overwhelmed
Parents in big urban cities like Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Ottawa often face unique pressures:
Dual-income households are often necessary due to the rising cost of living.
Work demands have expanded with hybrid schedules and in-office work expectations.
Many families live far from extended relatives or built-in support systems.
Social media shows curated snapshots of “perfect” parenting.
There’s constant messaging that you should be productive, present, healthy, calm, and grateful—at all times.
It’s an impossible standard.
The result? Parents feel stretched thin and quietly question whether they’re doing enough in any area of their lives.
The Truth: Balance Is Dynamic, Not Perfect
One of the most powerful mindset shifts you can make is this:
Balance doesn’t mean everything gets equal time every day.
It means adjusting based on what season you’re in.
Some weeks, your career may demand more.
Other weeks, your family will.
Some days, you’ll prioritize rest.
Other days, you’ll power through.
Balance is fluid. And that’s okay.
Practical Strategies to Combat Feelings of Inadequacy as a Parent
Here are actionable steps to help you feel more grounded and confident in your parent role, at work and at home.
1. Redefine “Enough”
Instead of asking, “Did I do everything?”
Ask, “Did I show up with intention?”
You don’t need to attend every school event, cook every meal from scratch, or answer emails at midnight to be a good parent or professional.
“Enough” is personal. Define it for yourself—not by outside standards.
2. Audit Your Expectations
Write down:
What you expect of yourself as a parent
What you expect of yourself at work
What you think you “should” be doing for self-care
Then ask:
Are these expectations realistic?
Would I expect this from a friend?
Often, we hold ourselves to standards we would never impose on someone else.
3. Schedule Support Like You Schedule Work
We schedule meetings.
We schedule appointments.
We schedule kids’ activities.
But we rarely schedule help.
Treat support, like booking a babysitter, as a non-negotiable investment, not a last resort.
Whether it’s a few hours to focus on work, attend a workout class, or simply sit in silence, proactive childcare support reduces the emotional weight of juggling everything at once.
4. Protect Small, Meaningful Moments
Family connection doesn’t require grand gestures. It lives in small rituals:
A 10-minute bedtime chat
A shared breakfast
A short walk after dinner
A weekly family movie night
Quality connection often matters more than quantity of time.
5. Let Go of the “Superparent” Myth
There is no award for doing it all alone.
Asking for help models resilience, self-awareness, and healthy boundaries for your children. It teaches them that support is normal, not shameful.
How Nannies on Call Helps You Feel More Confident and Capable as a Parent
At Nannies on Call, we understand that behind every childcare booking is often a parent trying to breathe a little easier.
Our role isn’t to replace you. It’s to support you.
Here’s how we help lighten the emotional load:
1. Flexible, By-Appointment Babysitting
Our subscription-based membership gives families access to professional, pre-screened occasional nannies when they need them, whether that’s during a busy workday, an important meeting, or a self-care afternoon.
2. No Long-Term Commitments
You don’t need to commit to a full-time nanny if that’s not your situation. Book an occasional nanny as needed, on your schedule.
3. Trusted, Experienced Caregivers
Every nanny in our network is carefully vetted and experienced, so you can focus on work or rest without constant worry.
4. In-Home Care That Maintains Stability
Your child stays in their familiar environment, with routines that you’ve created, so you can step away with peace of mind.
We proudly support families across Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Ottawa, offering reliable, occasional childcare that helps parents reclaim time and mental space.
Let Us Help You Carry It
If you’re juggling family, career, and self-care and feeling like you’re dropping balls, here’s what’s true:
You care deeply.
You’re trying your best.
You’re navigating a complex season of life.
That doesn’t make you inadequate. It makes you human, and you deserve support along the way.
When parents are supported, families thrive. So, if flexible, trusted childcare will help you feel more balanced and confident in your day-to-day life, we’re here.
Learn more about how Nannies on Call can support your family, and book an occasional nanny in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Ottawa at: nanniesoncall.com.