How to Avoid Parenting Burnout
Childcare, Personal Retreats and Relaxation Keeps Parents Healthy
Nov 19, 2008
Parenting is often about making your child's needs a priority, but parents need to take time away to meet their own needs as well. Here are some ideas to help avoid burnout as a parent.
What is Parenting Burnout?
Like marathon runners, parents work long hours caring for their children, often working outside the home as well, and it takes a great deal of energy to keep going for the long haul without taking a break. Parent burnout can show up in many different forms, but common symptoms are exhaustion, limited patience, yelling or fighting with children and family members and feelings of depression. Moms and dads who care for children at home full-time can also be at a high risk of parent burnout because of the lack of tangible rewards and reviews that help keep employees happy and motivated in work outside the home.
Take Time Away from Work and Parenting
The best way to avoid burnout is to take time away from work and parenting, but in today's busy world where extended families are spread across countries and continents, it is not always as simple as sending the kids to grandma's for the weekend. If you are lucky enough to have grandparents you trust close enough to care for your kids for a day or two, this is a wonderful option. If family is too far away to take on childcare duties, ask your partner or a close friend to care for your children for a day or two while you take some time away.
Plan Time for Yourself in Your Weekly Routine
The best way to avoid burning out as a parent is to incorporate time for yourself into your weekly routine. This can be done either by setting up a childcare swap or nanny share to provide some time for yourself during the week, or agreeing with your partner on an evening or part of a weekend day which you can have for yourself to rest and recharge. Even simple things like an uninterrupted bath or an afternoon nap can do wonders for the tired parent.
By asking for help within your family and community, it is possible to get the time and space you need to rest and recharge as a parent. A happy, well rested parent is more fun to play with and more patient with his or her child's needs, so by taking care of yourself you are taking care of your child too. Whether you take a weekend retreat or an afternoon nap, don't forget to take care of the most important person in your child's life: you!
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