Mercury Retrograde and Parenting: How to Navigate the Challenges
We are in the midst of Mercury’s final retrograde in 2025. Our planet of mind and mouth, communication and commerce began its retrograde journey on November 9th. Mercury will be direct on November 29th, but will not leave its post-retrograde shadow until December 16th.
Understanding Mercury Retrograde
When Mercury goes retrograde, it disrupts all kinds of relationships and communication, not least the precarious exchanges between parents and children. This cosmic shift can increase emotions in both children and parents, and if adults react harshly, it could backfire. Increased emotional energy surrounding this regression and the holiday season as a whole can cause children to shut down, hold grudges, or even run away from home.
The Effects on Children and Parents
During Mercury retrograde, we are all at the mercy of our moods and may be less focused, less social, and more easily distracted. For some, it may also manifest as a desire to isolate themselves or push away loved ones. Even the nicest children may be more sharp-tongued, close their bedroom doors more often, and spend time alone in their rooms listening to music or playing video games during this time.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
However, it doesn’t have to be about slamming doors and silent treatments. Regressions are always and forever a call to slow down and tune in. If you use your words and cards correctly, you may find a sacred opportunity to connect with your children and lead by example. During this time, emotions tend to run high and people act more impulsively. Instead of reacting with negative impulses, try to be "positively impulsive."
Tips for Navigating Mercury Retrograde as a Parent
Practice “Slow Parenting”
When kids are in a mood or in the middle of a tantrum, the best defense is to go into "slow parenting mode." This means taking a step back and giving them space to just be. This doesn’t mean ignoring them; when you sense something is wrong, make a conscious effort to connect with your children rather than bombarding them with questions and demands.
Replace Punishment with Conversation
Strict discipline and tough love tend to push children further away. Respond and don’t react to activating behavior. If your child comes home from school and starts snapping at you for no apparent reason, take a breath before you react. Ask if everything is okay at school or with their friends. They may not open up right away, and that’s okay. But if they sense that you’re calm and willing to listen, they’ll eventually agree.
Reconnect Offline
Part of moving with the energy of this retrograde is slowing the pace and shifting patterns away from what distracts and toward what connects. Doing, experiencing, or facilitating things that your child truly enjoys, be it sports or art, opens the door to depth. Children feel safest when parents are fully present, so put the screens away, mute calls and messages, and just enjoy time together as a family.
