I feel alone as a parent

I feel alone as a parent

Last night, I heard someone describe parenting in a way that hit home:

“When you first have a baby, you’re suddenly responsible for this tiny human, strapping them into the car seat for the first time, not really knowing if you’ve done it right. Then you take them home, walk through the door, and realise you have to keep this baby alive, all while doing things you don’t feel qualified to do.”

Parenting is hard. It’s filled with moments where you feel completely unprepared, just like that first day you brought your child home. As they grow, those feelings don’t necessarily go away. How do I handle this? What do I do next? Am I really equipped to parent this child?

Have you ever felt this way?

For my wife and I, parenting has been a lonelier road since we moved away from our family and friends. We moved when our children were quite young, with no babysitters and very little support. As they’ve grown older, it’s been harder to find people who are in the same stage of life. We had children relatively early, so many of our peers are now just starting their parenting journeys, facing different challenges. This lack of shared experiences has often left us feeling disconnected.

It’s not just that. We also have a son with an intellectual disability, and many people don’t know how to relate to that. I’m just being vulnerable here, but it’s the truth.

But last night, something changed. I saw hope—not just for us, but for other parents as well. It came in the form of a dinner with other families.

We’re currently in the middle of a 10-week program with 15 families from Cire Community Schools who’ve committed to using The Table Talk Project to connect more deeply. This was our halfway-point dinner, where we gathered to share feedback and encourage one another. It was a wonderful evening.

As families walked in, the tables were set out like dinner tables at home, each family with their own space, a warm LED light illuminating the room. Food was shared, and conversations flowed. But what really struck me was what happened at the end of the night. One mum stood up and shared, “It’s lonely being a parent. I’ve really felt alone, but being here tonight has helped me see I’m not alone, and that every family has its challenges. Our family isn’t so different after all.”

Holding back tears, I was blown away by her vulnerability and willingness to share such heartfelt emotions. Upon reflection, I realised why she no longer felt alone, and it comes down to two things that I believe can help every family.

1. The Power of Real Connection

The Table Talk Project’s immersive experience provided a different perspective. As families spread out across the venue, it wasn’t some perfect, serene dinner. Kids were unsettled, restless, loud, and sometimes disruptive—a typical family environment. Throw in children with ASD, ADHD, or other disabilities, and you’ve got a chaotic scene.

Often, we feel alone because we think our family is uniquely chaotic or less “together” than others. But this mum saw something that comforted her: she saw real families with their own struggles and challenges. When we experience someone else’s family environment up close, we realise we’re not so different after all. The chaos is normal.

2. Parenting Isn’t Meant to Be Done Alone

“I now know I’m not alone,” she said. For this mum, her family had felt like an island, isolated and distant from any connection or support. I know that feeling, and it’s pretty awful. Parenting is best done with support, where parents cheer each other on, share in the chaos, and celebrate the joys together.

Who’s in Your Corner?

Since moving to Melbourne 10 years ago, it’s been really hard for us to build that tribe of parents we can rely on. We’ve tried, and we’ll keep trying, but it’s not easy. I know how important it is for us, and it’s important for you too. Maybe for the first time, this mum realised she wasn’t alone, and that she needed to feel connected.

To know if you have a tribe of parents supporting you, ask yourself these questions:

• Who would I call if I couldn’t get my kids somewhere?
• Who can I vent to without fear of judgment?
• When I’m feeling down about my kids, who do I talk to?
• Who could I invite over for a coffee or a beer just to chat about life?

If you don’t have anyone, keep looking. You’ll need them one day. Life throws curveballs, and we all need support.

This mum saw The Table Talk Project as a community of support. It gave her hope that she’s not alone and that she has a network of people who understand and care.

And that’s what we all need: connection, understanding, and the knowledge that we’re not alone on this parenting journey.