Mom Reset: 3 Tiny Things That Shift the Energy on Hard Days

20 June

Because starting over doesn’t have to take all day.

Some days are just a mess.

You wake up tired. The toddler’s screaming about toast. The baby’s diaper explodes five minutes before you’re supposed to leave. You’re already late, already touched-out, already fantasizing about checking into a hotel—alone.

We’ve all had those days.

And when you’re in that spiral, every parenting strategy, routine, or heartfelt intention can feel…useless. Like, what’s the point? You’re just trying to survive till bedtime.

But here’s the thing: you don’t need a perfect day. You just need a pivot.

A tiny shift in energy can change the whole tone of the day—for you and your kid.

So here are 3 no-fluff, no-fake-positivity resets that can actually help when you’re running on fumes.

change the room, change the mood.

It sounds too simple to work. But I swear, this one’s magic.

If the vibe is off—kids are melting down, you’re about to yell, no one’s listening—move rooms. Open a window. Step outside barefoot. Pile everyone in the car and go for a drive, even if it’s just to the gas station for a snack.

Why it works: Your nervous system is highly sensitive to environment. So are your kids’. A change in scenery resets sensory input and interrupts escalating behavior patterns—yours included.

Mom mantra: “If we can’t shift the mood, we’ll shift the space.”

do a 2 minute connection loop.

Sometimes you don’t need a break from your kid—you need a reconnection with them.

Not a Pinterest-level play moment. Just a 2-minute connection loop.

Try:

Making eye contact and giving a silly, exaggerated smile
Wrestling on the couch for 60 seconds
Reading the first page of a book in your best dramatic voice
Letting them brush your hair or play “doctor” with your face

Why it works: When your child feels connected, they cooperate more. When you feel connected, you regulate better. It’s a feedback loop that resets the energy for both of you.

Mom mantra: “Connection over correction—even for two minutes.”

lower the bar and name it

This one might be the most important.

Look around and say it out loud:

“Today is a survival day. That’s okay. We’re doing less.”

Put on a movie. Skip the bath. Eat dry cereal for dinner if you have to. The goal is not perfection—it’s preservation.

Name the shift for your kids, too:

“Mommy’s having a hard day, so we’re going to keep things super simple. I still love you. We’re still okay.”

Why it works: Kids thrive on truthful safety. When they hear you name what’s happening instead of pretending everything’s fine while your eyes scream “help,” it builds trust. And it gives them permission to have hard days, too.

Mom mantra: “This is a low-capacity day. I’m allowed to adjust.”

You Don’t Need a Whole New You—Just One New Moment

This isn’t about “fixing” your day. It’s about softening the sharp edges.

The reset doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be real. Honest. Gentle. Sustainable.

Because you don’t need to parent perfectly to raise a securely attached kid.

You just need to be willing to pause, pivot, and reconnect—even when you’re running on empty.

💛 Want a Backup Plan for Days Like This?

My free tantrum repair guide includes a few scripts for calming your own nervous system, reconnecting after a blowup, and handling those “I’m about to LOSE IT” moments with more confidence and less shame.👇

Download the Free Tantrum Repair Guide

And if you’re ready to go deeper? Check out my Parenting Reset Program that helps you parent from clarity, not chaos.