The Power of Words – 31 Inspiring Parenting Quotes For Hard Times

Sometimes I stumble across a quote that will suddenly stop me in my tracks. There is nothing like a powerful quote to inspire action and positive reflection.

Quotes are a powerful way to motivate ourselves and others. In the face of adversity, quotes can put things into perspective and remind us that all is not lost.

We have all had some tough tests to deal with in the last few months. So I decided to put together some inspirational parenting quotes for hard times. Some are famous quotes from writers or celebrities. Others are my own quotes – extracts from my blog articles.

I have divided the quotes into subsections so you can find a quote that fits with what you need at the moment. I hope you like them!

Parenting Quotes For Hard Times When You Feel Like Everyone Else Is a Better Parent

As parents, we are often bombarded with the thought that someone else is doing it better. It can be frustrating when you find yourself having this thought, but it’s important to realize that there are many different parenting styles. What’s right for one child or family may not be a good fit for another. Trying to be a perfect parent is a recipe for disaster. It will lead to guilt and shame, which will impact your relationship with your child negatively. We can reflect and improve, but we also need to relax and enjoy our parenting journey.

Don’t let negative thoughts and self-doubt get in your way of being a good parent. Try to be confident in the decisions you make and not compare yourself to someone who may have a different parenting style than you. I have hand-picked these quotes for inspiration!

“The thing about parenting rules is there aren’t any. That’s what makes it so difficult.” Ewan McGregor

“The universe doesn’t allow perfection.” Stephen Hawking

“Parenting has nothing to do with perfection. Perfection isn’t even the goal, not for us, not for our children. Learning together to live well in an imperfect world, loving each other despite or even because of our imperfections, and growing as humans while we grow our little humans, those are the goals of gentle parenting. So don’t ask yourself at the end of the day if you did everything right. Ask yourself what you learned and how well you loved, then grow from your answer. That is perfect parenting.” L.R. Knost, author

I hope my favorite parenting quotes about perfectionism above will reassure you that to be a role model for your children, you should allow them to see your flaws and mistakes. Apply the 80-20 rule and try to get it right most of the time, and don’t sweat the little things that go wrong!

Parenting Quotes For Hard Times When Your Child is Pushing the Boundaries

As a parent it can be hard to know what to do when your child is pushing the boundaries. It can feel like you are in the midst of a battlefield and it will never end. It requires so much patience! But it will end. Things will get better. Children change constantly as they enter different developmental stages and experience different life circumstances. This means that their relationship with you will be ever-changing and evolving too, and you can shape the way it develops. These quotes will reassure you!

“If you have never been hated by your children you haven’t been a parent.” Bette Davis

“Any child in his right mind will test the limits. That’s his job. He’s pretty new on the planet, after all, and he’s figuring out the rules. The most common reason that children test the limits is that they really want to find out where those limits are. Children need the security of knowing that someone more experienced and knowledgeable is looking out for them. They don’t feel safe when we don’t guide and nurture. That’s why we often say that children will keep pushing until they find our limits.” Dr. Laura Markham

“It would be unhealthy for a child not to feel they could present their point of view. If your child is argumentative, congratulate yourself that they feel safe enough to share their views openly and passionately with you.” Dr Lucy Russell (This quote is taken from my article on How to Deal With an Argumentative Child.)

“If you have an argumentative or defiant child be proud that they: are practising skills for becoming a confident leader; feel safe enough to express their views; often have advanced reasoning and logic skills; and are passionate about their points of view.” Dr Lucy Russell (an extract from my article: How to Deal With an Argumentative Child)

Of course, in the moment, parenting a spirited (strong willed or opinionated!) child can be hard work. But in the long run, your child will be honing invaluable assertiveness and leadership skills. Strong children grow up to be strong – and often very successful – adults.

Parenting Quotes For Hard Times When You Feel You Have Lost Your Way

Despite incredible advances in modern science and technology which are meant to make life easier, our lives today often feel overwhelming and unbalanced. We often feel that we spend too much time working, or that our children spend too much time using electronic devices. We may get stuck in a rut of regular “bad days” where we feel we are not creating the best lifestyle or atmosphere for ourselves and our family members, but we don’t know how to get started in moving out of this rut.

I love the simple truths contained in some of my favorite quotes below. They encourage us to start small, but just make a start. This is a valuable lesson when we feel lost or overwhelmed. They motivate us to focus on just one area, and to place our values front and centre as the most important thing.

“If you can’t fly, run. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl, but by all means, keep moving.” Martin Luther King Jr.

“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” Confucius

“It’s not our job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. It’s our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless.” L.R. Knost, Two Thousand Kisses a Day: Gentle Parenting Through the Ages and Stages

“If you are stuck in a rut, do something different. Just pick one small thing”. Dr Lucy Russell (an extract from my article: How to Deal With an Argumentative Child)

“Optimists focus more on the problem itself rather than on managing emotions that may result from the problem, and are less likely to simply ignore the problem. Optimists have a greater sense of control and ownership.” Dr Lucy Russell. This quote is an extract from my article, Tips for Building Confidence in Teenagers and Children.

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” Jane Goodall

During difficult times one of the hardest things to do is to find the energy to take action. The best way is to stick to tiny actions which move you in the right direction.

Parenting Quotes For Hard Times When Your Child is Having a Difficult Time

When our children are going through hard times, we feel it so deeply, it’s as though we were going through it ourselves. We want to take away their pain. Here are some quotes which will help you support your child.

“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” Eleanor Roosevelt

“All thoughts pass. All emotions pass. There is blue sky above the clouds. The blue sky represents happiness and calmness. When thought or emotion clouds are directly above us, we cannot see the blue sky. The cloud dominates and it is hard to think of anything else. But we must remember that the cloud will pass. There is blue sky beyond the cloud.” Dr Lucy Russell. This quote is an extract from my article: Helping Teens With Anxiety.

“Everything will be ok in the end. If it’s not ok, it’s not the end!” John Lennon

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind!” Dr. Seuss

“It is time for parents to teach young people that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” Maya Angelou

“Name your differences with pride.” Dr Lucy Russell (from my article: Tips for Building Confidence in Teenagers and Children)

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” Oscar Wilde

“No need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anybody but oneself.” Virginia Woolf

“Don’t let the muggles get you down.” J.K. Rowling

Parenting Quotes For Hard Times When You Feel Overwhelmed

The first step to overcoming an overwhelming situation is realising it and admitting you can’t do it all. This means taking a break and getting some perspective. In my opinion, a great parent models rest and relaxation balanced with meaningful action. Also, as our children get older we need to remember that we cannot be responsible for them the whole time.

This quote by Anne Frank is such a poignant reminder that though we can shape our children to an extent, they are also independent spirits.

“Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.” Anne Frank

If you know that family life is not as you want it to be and you are trying to shape it towards closer relationships and more good times, remember that progress isn’t linear. Some days you will feel great about your parenting and your family life, and other days you will just be trying to keep your head above water. The quotes below will soothe you during those difficult days.

“If you take a baby step and it doesn’t work out, don’t worry. Try again another day.” Dr Lucy Russell  (from my article Phobia: Supporting Your Child)

If we had no Winter, the Spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” Charlotte Bronte

“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.” Epictetus

“The man who moves a mountain does so by carrying away small stones.” Confucius

“Don’t underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.” A.A. Milne

“Not everything that weighs you down is yours to carry.” Anonymous

“Do what you can, with what you’ve got, where you are.” Theodore Roosevelt

“Micro changes in your body language can send soothing and calming messages to your brain. Take a deep breath into your belly, soften your shoulders and relax your muscles.” Dr Lucy Russell (an extract from my article: How to deal With an Argumentative Child)

In my opinion, the best parenting quotes either make us feel energised or soothed. All the quotes above do that for me!

Further Reading

5 Family Therapy Activities You Can Try At Home

Adult and Child Mental Health: Supporting Yourself and Your Child

Parenting Teens Blog: My Top 28 Articles {2022}

Family Goals Examples For 2022 {+Printable Worksheet}

Reactive Parenting: 5 Simple Actions To Break The Cycle

Self-Care Ideas For Single Parents

I hope you have found these quotes inspiring. Join my free Facebook group for regular tips on supporting teens and pre-teens with their mental health! Join the group: Parent Tips for Positive Child Mental Health UK.

• Author: theyarethefuture.co.uk

• Rating: 4⭐ (56073 rating)

• Highest Rate: 5⭐

• Lowest Rate: 3⭐

• Sumary: Spread the loveThe Power of Words – 31 Inspiring Parenting Quotes For Hard Times Sometimes I stumble across a quote that will suddenly stop me in my tracks. There is nothing like a powerful quote to inspire action and positive reflection. Quotes are a powerful way to motivate ourselves and others. In the face of […]

• Matching Result: Parenting Quotes For Hard Times When Your Child is Having a Difficult Time · “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” Eleanor …

• Intro: 31 Inspiring Parenting Quotes for Hard Times The Power of Words – 31 Inspiring Parenting Quotes For Hard Times Author: Dr Lucy Russell Sometimes I stumble across a quote that will suddenly stop me in my tracks. There is nothing like a powerful quote to inspire action and positive reflection. Quotes are a powerful way to motivate ourselves and others. In the face of adversity, quotes can put things into perspective and remind us that all is not lost. We have all had some tough tests to deal with in the last few months. So I decided to put together…

• Source: https://www.theyarethefuture.co.uk/parenting-quotes-for-hard-times/

• Author: verywellfamily.com

• Rating: 4⭐ (56073 rating)

• Highest Rate: 5⭐

• Lowest Rate: 3⭐

• Sumary: Parenting can be challenging and overwhelming at times. Use these inspirational parenting quotes to keep things in perspective during difficult times.

• Matching Result: Parenting can be challenging and overwhelming at times. Use these inspirational parenting quotes to keep things in perspective during difficult times.

• Intro: 23 Inspiring Parenting Quotes to Help You Stay Motivated And Keep Your Sense of Humor Updated on November 02, 2022 Corey Jenkins / Image Source / Getty Images Although parenting is rewarding, there will undoubtedly be hard days and difficult times. Some of those especially hard times can be when your child misbehaves. Dealing with behavior problems can cause you to focus on your hardships or to forget about the joys of raising children if you’re not careful. But these 23 parenting quotes can help you keep things in proper perspective when you are disciplining your child. Quotes About Parenting It’s…

• Source: https://www.verywellfamily.com/inspirational-parenting-quotes-1094736

• Author: navigatingbaby.com

• Rating: 4⭐ (56073 rating)

• Highest Rate: 5⭐

• Lowest Rate: 3⭐

• Sumary: The 27 best inspirational parenting quotes for hard times. Parenting quotes that will motivate you during tough days and inspire you to keep going

• Matching Result: Perfection isn’t even the goal, not for us, not for our children. Learning together to live well in an imperfect world, loving each other despite or even …

• Intro: 27 Inspirational Parenting Quotes for Hard Times – Navigating Baby Motherhood can be the toughest job in the world.  We all know it is rewarding too and that we wouldn’t change having our kids for anything, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t lonely and difficult sometimes.  It can be very demanding and draining.  So how do you handle those down days or hard moments?   I find these inspirational parenting quotes for hard times really useful. Inspirational parenting quotes for hard times from those who have been there can help to give you a lift when things  get tough.  You…

• Source: https://www.navigatingbaby.com/inspirational-parenting-quotes-for-hard-times/

• Author: nurtureandthriveblog.com

• Rating: 4⭐ (56073 rating)

• Highest Rate: 5⭐

• Lowest Rate: 3⭐

• Sumary: 10 inspiring quotes for those really hard parenting moments to remind you to not be too hard on yourself or your child.

• Matching Result: Be gentle with yourself as you develop and grow as a parent. We learn from our mistakes — if we allow ourselves to learn. If we beat ourselves up with endless …

• Intro: 10 Inspiring Quotes for Those Really Hard Parenting Moments Inside: 10 inspiring quotes for those really hard parenting moments to remind you to not be too hard on yourself or your child. Parenting is perhaps one of the hardest roles we will have in our lives. Maybe it is because while our child is growing, we are growing too — all of those transitions and change means a lot of reflection and adaptation. Often when parenting is really hard it is because we are so immersed in it — the dishes, the laundry, the big unregulated emotions from our children…

• Source: https://nurtureandthriveblog.com/parenting-quotes-hard-moments/

• Author: journeyofparenthood.com

• Rating: 4⭐ (56073 rating)

• Highest Rate: 5⭐

• Lowest Rate: 3⭐

• Sumary: The best parent quotes help to inspire, encourage, and entertain you as you work through the joys and challenges of parenthood!

• Matching Result: The best parent quotes help to inspire, encourage, and entertain you as you work through the joys and challenges of parenthood!

• Intro: Best Parent Quotes: 75+ Inspirational Parenting Quotes for Hard Times, Parent to be Quotes, and More Being a parent is the best thing in the world, but it’s not without its challenges and bad days. Everyone needs some words of inspiration and encouragement, and we as parents are no different. Fortunately, there are plenty of words of wisdom and quotes for parents out there that can really give you an extra boost. The best parent quotes are ones that inspire us, encourage us, and make us laugh! Here I’ve included over 70 of the best parent quotes. Including inspirational parenting…

• Source: https://www.journeyofparenthood.com/parent-quotes-parenting-quotes-for-hard-times/

• Author: overcomewithus.com

• Rating: 4⭐ (56073 rating)

• Highest Rate: 5⭐

• Lowest Rate: 3⭐

• Sumary: Parenting is one of the most challenging journeys of life and surely every parent agrees. No matter how much effort each parent puts in, it always feels like the tough days will never end.

• Matching Result: 20 – Parenting Can Be Hard Quotes · “Do not worry that your children fail to listen to you; instead worry that your children are always watching you.” · “ …

• Intro: 20 – Parenting Can Be Hard Quotes Parenting is one of the most challenging journeys of life and surely every parent agrees. No matter how much effort each parent puts in, it always feels like the tough days will never end.  At times, so overwhelming is the process of rearing kids that parents tend to feel underappreciated, lost and often lonely too. And if you’re on the verge of pulling out your hair on some parenting days, that’s not unusual too. Parenting is indeed the toughest job in the world but we’re to assure you that you’re not alone in…

• Source: https://overcomewithus.com/parenting/20-parenting-can-be-hard-quotes

• Author: parentingforbrain.com

• Rating: 4⭐ (56073 rating)

• Highest Rate: 5⭐

• Lowest Rate: 3⭐

• Sumary: Fifty parenting quotes that help you through the challenges of parenthood and remember the joys and rewards of raising a child you love dearly.

• Matching Result: Parenting Quotes For Hard Times … “My heroes are and were my parents. I can’t see having anyone else as my heroes.” … “We are apt to forget that …

• Intro: 50 Inspiring Parenting Quotes That Get You Through Hard Times | Parenting Quotes For Hard Times | Parenting Quotes For Raising Great Kids | Raising a child is one of life’s most challenging and important tasks.  As exhausting and challenging as parenthood can be, it is also one of the most rewarding and fulfilling roles. Here are some quotes to help you through the challenges of parenthood and remember the joys. “My heroes are and were my parents. I can’t see having anyone else as my heroes.”Michael Jordan “We are apt to forget that children watch examples better than they…

• Source: https://www.parentingforbrain.com/parenting-quotes/

• Author: graciousquotes.com

• Rating: 4⭐ (56073 rating)

• Highest Rate: 5⭐

• Lowest Rate: 3⭐

• Sumary: Also read…

• Matching Result: “Your children are the greatest gift God will give to you, and their souls the heaviest responsibility He will place in your hands. Take time …

• Intro: 90 Inspirational Parenting Quotes for Hard Times (LOVE)October 14, 2022October 14, 2022 Top 10 Inspirational Parenting QuotesWe never know the love of a parent till we become parents ourselves. – Henry Ward BeecherThe best inheritance a parent can give his children is a few minutes of his time each day. – O. A. BattistaIt is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength. – Maya AngelouSo much is asked of parents, and so little is given. – Virginia SatirIt is easier to build strong children than to repair broken…

• Source: https://graciousquotes.com/parenting-quotes/

• Author: womansday.com

• Rating: 4⭐ (56073 rating)

• Highest Rate: 5⭐

• Lowest Rate: 3⭐

• Sumary: Number 8 sums up your life, guaranteed.

• Matching Result:

• Intro: Relatable Parenting Quotes that Will Make You Feel Better About Your Life Every item on this page was chosen by a Woman’s Day editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Relationships Family + Friends 45 Parenting Quotes That Every Parent Can Relate To 45 Parenting Quotes That Every Parent Can Relate To Number 8 sums up your life, guaranteed. kate_sept2004Getty Images Depending on who you ask, parenting is either a sweet dream or a strange nightmare — and sometimes both at the same time. Regardless, there’s no denying that parenthood creates some amazing…

• Source: https://www.womansday.com/relationships/family-friends/g26087343/best-parenting-quotes/