Understanding Parental Resentment

Parental resentment refers to the persistent sense of frustration, fatigue, or even bitterness that can arise when parenting challenges become too much to handle. It doesn’t imply a lack of love for your child—it simply acknowledges your humanity.

What Triggers It?

Resentment often builds up over time, especially when certain stressors pile on. Here are some common triggers:

• Unmet Expectations: You imagined a different parenting experience, but reality looks much different (and much harder).
• Lack of Support: With no help from a partner, family, or friends, parenting can feel isolating.
• Overwhelming Responsibilities: The constant juggle of work, home life, and childcare can leave you feeling drained.
• Loss of Personal Time: When was the last time you did something just for yourself? It’s easy to feel like you’ve lost yourself in parenthood.
• Behavioral Challenges: When children’s needs or behaviors feel especially demanding, frustration can build up.

The good news? There are ways to manage these feelings and reclaim a sense of control.

“Recognizing early signs of stress is key—it’s like sensing a migraine coming on. When you notice those feelings, step back. Try breathing exercises, mindfulness, or simply acknowledging where you are in life. These small steps help break the cycle of stress and resentment, creating a healthier environment for the whole family.”

Dr. New Sang talks about parental resentment and how to overcome it on Fox26

The Impact of Resentment on Parental Mental Health

Resentment can take a real emotional toll, leaving you feeling frustrated, isolated, or just plain exhausted. When these feelings build up, they can chip away at your mental well-being. At its worst, resentment may lead to burnout and even create this invisible distance between you and your child. 

Over time, unaddressed resentment can evolve into a cycle of stress, making it even harder to enjoy parenthood and connect with your child as you desire. However, recognizing these feelings is the first step: finding support and healthy coping strategies can help break the cycle and restore balance in your family life.

The Importance of Letting Go of Resentment

Letting go of resentment isn’t just about feeling better at the moment; it has lasting mental health benefits that can transform your well-being and relationships. 

When you release built-up frustration, you create space for more positive emotions and connections. The healing journey supports several benefits, including:

• Improved Well-being. Resentment fuels anxiety and frustration. Releasing it allows for more emotional balance and a healthier mindset.
• More Peace. Carrying resentment is like holding onto a heavy weight. Letting it go can help reduce parenting stress and bring a greater sense of calm.
• Better Energy Levels. When negativity doesn’t weigh down, your body and mind can rest and recharge more effectively.

Healing Goals:

• Stronger Connection with Your Child. Letting go of resentment makes it easier to be present, patient, and engaged with your little one.
• Healthier Communication with Your Partner. Resentment can cause tension in relationships. Releasing it opens the door for honest, supportive conversations.
• More Joy in Parenting. Without lingering frustration, there’s more room for laughter, love, and the moments that make parenting so rewarding.

Resentment can feel heavy, but taking small steps, like seeking support or making time for self-care, can help lighten the load. At Sang Pediatrics, we recognize that a healthy family starts with healthy parents. Call (559) 268-1737 for parental mental health support in Fresno.

Practical Steps for Letting Go of Resentment

Just as resentment doesn't form overnight, it also won't vanish rapidly. Give yourself grace as you move forward through these measures:

1. Acknowledging Feelings

Validating your feelings helps you identify their root causes and start healing. Consider these methods to gain that understanding:

• Reframing thoughts: instead of "I shouldn't feel this way," try "I feel this way because I care deeply. What can I do to support myself?"
• Writing down emotions without self-judgment to process them more clearly.
• Sharing feelings with a trusted friend, partner, or therapist for support.

2. Communicating Needs

Talking openly with your partner, family, or support system about feeling overwhelmed can prevent resentment from building. Expressing what you need, whether it’s more help, time for yourself, or emotional support, fosters understanding and connection.

Also, kids respond better to constructive language. Swap “You always misbehave” for “I know you’re trying—let’s figure this out together.” A little patience goes a long way.

3. Setting Boundaries

Healthy boundaries protect your energy and prevent burnout. It’s okay to say no to extra commitments, take breaks, and set limits on what you can handle. Prioritizing your well-being isn’t selfish: it helps you show up as a more present and patient parent.

4. Seeking Professional Help

If feelings of resentment, stress, or exhaustion feel overwhelming, seek support right away. Sang Pediatrics offers guidance to help parents manage family dynamics and mental health challenges—because caring for yourself is just as important as caring for your child.

5. Carving Self-care Habits

Parenting is demanding, and the stress can add up. In fact, a 10-year analysis of APA’s Stress in America data found that parents of children under 18 consistently report higher stress levels than others. 

 Small, intentional habits can help overwhelmed parents recharge, such as:

• Taking short walks or stretching for movement.
• Enjoying a favorite hobby, even for a few minutes a day.
• Connecting with supportive friends or loved ones.
• Practicing deep breathing or mindfulness exercises.
  

How Sang Pediatrics Can Support Parents

Sang Pediatrics offers more than pediatric care—we provide family mental health support for your emotional well-being, too. Explore wellness checkups, mental health referrals, and these resources:

YouTube: Letting Go of Resentment 

In this insightful conversation, Dr. New Sang shares valuable tips on managing anxiety and resentment, explaining how reducing parental stress can lead to happier, healthier kids.

Parent Knowledge Center

Break the cycle of overwhelm and chaos. From nutrition and sleep tips to immunization guidance, our Sang Pediatrics' parentingresources cover the topics that matter most so you can feel informed and confident in caring for your child. 

Family-Centered Support

Bring your child in for a wellness check, and take a moment to discuss your own well-being. Our experts, including Esther Jieun Kim, MSN, CPNP-PC, PMHS, a certified pediatric mental health specialist, are ready to help. 



Contact us or visit any of our Palm, Willow, or Downtown clinics today.

Rewrite Your Parenting Story: Choosing Growth Over Resentment

Parental resentment is more common than you think, but it doesn’t have to define your journey. Recognizing it is the first step, and taking action—whether through self-care, open communication, or professional support—can lead to healthier relationships. 

Sang Pediatrics is here to help with compassionate care and trusted resources. Reach out to us today.



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