With the introduction of April, springtime shuffles in with blooming flowers, longer days, and a breath of fresh air. Hope breezes through the air, waiting to grow roots among the blossoms. In many ways, spring mirrors parenting: cycles of growth, renewal, and letting go.
A common theme we encounter as psychologists is how the pressure to be a “perfect” parent interferes with one’s ability to fully experience the curiosity, colorfulness, and newness that parenting can offer.
In this context, “perfect” parenting might mean always responding calmly, always having patience, or always knowing how to handle difficult moments. But in reality, parenting is messy, unpredictable, and often overwhelming. Children have tantrums in the grocery store, refuse to do their homework, and challenge well-intentioned rules. Naturally, parents feel distress that can be hard to regulate.
These moments don’t define your worth as a parent. In fact, every meltdown, mistake, or tough day is a chance to begin again—with your child and with yourself. When you let go of chasing an ever-changing definition of perfection, you allow yourself to truly be present. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s becoming a steady, healing force in your child’s life. That doesn’t mean the absence of conflict. Being present means pausing, tuning into your own feelings, recognizing what your child might be trying to communicate, and having the courage to explain, apologize, or offer comfort. Sometimes, it’s simply taking a breath and starting again.
Breathing as a Reset in Parenthood
When everything feels chaotic, coming back to the breath can help you feel steady. It’s a gentle reminder to return to the present moment. In mindfulness practice, the breath is used as an anchor to ground us as we navigate the unrelenting waves. When thoughts race or emotions feel too big, even one intentional breath can create enough space to pause.
One way to practice this is with a three-breath reset:
1- On the first breath, inhale slowly through your nose and exhale fully through your mouth. This signals your nervous system to soften.
2- On the second breath, tune into the sensations in your body—your feet on the floor, the rise of your chest.
3- On the third breath, gently say to yourself, “Begin again.”
That breath creates space. It adds distance between the trigger and your response. When we pause, we interrupt the urgency of the moment. Rather than reacting or retreating, we make room to imagine a different path—a new beginning. A moment that was heading toward disconnection can shift toward presence, repair, and resilience.
April as an Invitation
Parenting is about being present enough to repair and start over, as many times as the day requires. April can be an invitation to soften, to grow, and to begin again—both for you and your family. Meet this season with compassion, steadiness, and a willingness to notice what’s possible, even in the small moments.
We inhale. We breathe out. And we begin again.
Dr. Nina Bakoyiannis, is a postdoctoral psychologist at SelfWorks. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from LIU Brooklyn, where she specialized in psychodynamic psychotherapy. Her research uses a psychoanalytic framework to explore the impact of disability on mental health. In addition to her clinical work, she is an adjunct assistant professor at CUNY.
