The American Psychological Association reported in 2023 that 33% of parents of children 18 and under report high levels of stress (8, 9, or 10 out of 10, where 10 is the highest).
Often stress can lead to “burnout.” Burnout is defined as “emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a decrease in self-fulfillment” (Rionda et al, 2021). Parenting is an occupation just like any other. It is a 24/7 job that requires our full presence of mind, body, and spirit. Without good, efficient management of this work it can easily lead to burnout.
The article points out that the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes burnout in its International Classification of Diseases. As an occupational condition it can lead health concerns such as fatigue, sleep deprivation, substance use, mental distance, or negativity.
Psychologists offer the following advice:
- Talk about it and get support – you are not alone
- Change your vantage point on parenting – grow other areas of your life
- Make small changes – this can help rebalance your stressors
- Stop saying “should” – take the pressure off yourself
- Take microbreaks – self-care can increase your resilience even if it is for 5 minutes – practice self-compassion
- Find meaning – connect with your values
- Grow your parenting skills – add to your toolbox – this doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong, but parenting doesn’t come with manual
References
American Psychological Association. (2024, July 12). Parental burnout and stress. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/parental-burnout
