Actionable Steps To Prevent Parental Burnout

Actionable Steps To Prevent Parental Burnout

Being a parent is hard, just like being in a relationship. What’s more, people don’t tell you what it’s like until you’re right in the middle of it, by which time it is too late.

Parents regularly suffer from burnout, a situation in which they become so emotionally and physically drained that they can no longer deliver the level of care that their children need.

Fortunately, there are a host of things that you can do to prevent burnout. Check out the following:

• Don’t Compare Yourself To Other Parents

Unless you want to feel emotionally exhausted from day one, don’t compare yourself to other parents. Almost certainly, parents in your circle of friends will present a rosy picture of their lives and parenting.

Take it with a pinch of salt. The reality is probably very different. Their children will wail and scream, just like yours, no matter how quiet or well behaved they appear to be whenever you see them.

It’s often stated that comparison is the thief of joy, and it’s true: it is. The more that you compare yourself to other parents, the more stressed you’ll feel and the higher the stakes become.

• Adopt Healthier Habits

While depression and anxiety are medical conditions, evidence suggests that they don’t just happen by chance. In around half of all cases, there’s a lifestyle factor, like poor diet, smoking, or exercise, that is responsible. The good news, though, is that with small changes in how you live your life, you can often relieve symptoms and, in some cases, achieve full remission.

If you smoke, for instance, quit or use a vape starter kit to help you transition away from tobacco. If you have a fast-food habit, ditch it in favour of more nourishing foods, like beans and greens. And if you aren’t taking care of your body, try to find ways to incorporate daily activity into your schedule. Even simple things like walking to school with the kids or going to an exercise class can make a big difference in how you feel.

• Set Aside “Date” Night

Date night doesn’t necessarily have to be with a partner. It’s just one night per week where its not all about the kids. You could do all kinds of things on a date night, from going out with friends to visiting the spa. It’s just an oasis of time during the week that is entirely yours and nobody else’s. It’s a time for you to recharge your batteries and experience another aspect of life, besides caring for your family.

• Tell People You’re Struggling

If you’re struggling to cope with the pressures of being a parent, don’t bottle it up: tell someone you trust. Parenting is difficult. There’s no shame in telling people that you’re finding it hard. Often, the simple act of confiding in someone can make a big difference in how you feel. Almost always, the person you speak to has gone through similar trials themselves.

Doing all the work yourself, at least, to begin with, is hard for a parent. Don’t be afraid to ask for practical help from the people close to you. Little jobs like vacuuming and bringing groceries can make a big difference to your levels of burnout.

• Use The Time Your Children Are Asleep For Wellness

While babies often have disruptive sleeping patterns, most children eventually slip into a habit of regular bedtimes. Many mums choose to use this precious time in the evenings to achieve better wellness. Instead of slobbing in front of the TV, try to do one thing that will promote good health and rest. It could be something as simple as stretching or meditation. You could also learn something new by reading a book.

• Be Okay With Being “Good Enough”

While parents do occasionally worry about what other people think, in many cases, they can be their own worst enemy.

Being a parent is tough, and nobody is perfect. But that’s okay: leading researchers like James Lehman say that children don’t need perfect parents: they only need them to be “good enough.”

What that means is pretty simple: you don’t have to be a super mum with boundless energy to be a great mum. In fact, it can be helpful for kids’ development to see that you’re not invincible and that you have needs too. While your priority is your children, there’s nothing wrong with being a human being too, with all their weaknesses and flaws.

• Don’t Rely Solely On Intuition

A lot of our parenting skills come from how we ourselves were raised. If our parents charged around sixteen hours per day, working long hours and then barking instructions when they got home, then we automatically believe that this is the way to lead one’s life.

It is not.

You don’t have to rely on instinct to be a great parent. In fact, today, more than ever before, parents have options to radically improve their parenting with the help of books, videos and podcasts. Experts from all over the world have developed strategies for mums that reduce the risk of burnout and make for happier family life.

While your intuition might seem like it is helping you, it might be doing more harm than good.

• Be Mindful Of The Positives

Creating and nurturing a new life is positive all by itself. It can, however, be hard to see this if your child is darting around and draining your energy.

Mentally healthy parents tend to focus on the positives of their child’s experience. While it might be inconvenient sometimes, there is a lot to be thankful for. In the past, healthy, energetic children were rare. Many didn’t see their fifth birthday. Thus the problems that parents have today are small in comparison to those that they had in the past.

In summary, being a parent is never easy. Mums need to be alert to the signs of burnout and take steps to counteract them. These strategies aren’t just one-offs, but things that you can integrate into your life for a happier family experience.

Contributed Article.