Tired, depressed, and bored are some of the feelings that parents often have to deal with when taking care of their children. If these feelings are not carefully treated, this can cause parental burnout. Although it is common to happen, it is important to know that parental burnout should not be underestimated. Get to know the ultimate signs of parental burnout and how to overcome them by reading the following below!
What are The Symptoms of Parental Burnout?
Parental burnout refers to a range of grievances stemming from prolonged and consistent exposure to stress experienced by individuals in their role as parents. This state can induce exhaustion on physical, mental, and emotional levels and if not managed effectively, may potentially culminate in depression.
As mentioned before, parental burnout is not a rare condition. It is estimated that about 60% of parents experience it once. But due to limited information, many parents may not realize that they have experienced parental burnout and just think of this as normal stress. The causes of this condition are quite diverse, ranging from seemingly endless demands, societal views, excessive parental standards, and even self-doubt.
To find out whether you or your partner are experiencing parental burnout, identify some of the following signs and complaints:
- Frustrated or feel unworthy as a parent
- Often takes out emotions on children or other family members
- Self-assume that everything you do as a parent is always wrong
- Feeling no longer appreciated, either as a mother, father, wife, or husband
- Growing resentment, even hatred toward the children
- Want to stay away from children and family members, even to run away at times
How to Cope with Parental Burnout?
If you experience some of the signs of parental burnout we have listed above, you need to ensure to find the right way to cope. If left untreated, it will affect your overall well-being and the dynamic between you and your family.
Worry not because by trying to do some of the following tips below, you will be able to handle everything and be wholly present for your children and partner.
1. Take time to rest
Finding time off may seem impossible with the many responsibilities of parenthood. However, it is still important to make time for rest. Remember that you are not a robot. You need to maintain and prioritize your physical and mental health.
Try to go to bed when your little one sleeps, so that you will have sufficient rest time. One ultimate tip that can be applied to ensure your family can have sufficient sleep is to install a great working air conditioner that can help to cool down your room temperature. Especially if you are living in a tropical country, an air conditioner is a must-have!
Not only can it do wonders to enhance your sleep quality, but it can also have a positive impact on your physical health. Make sure to do regular aircon servicing for your air conditioner to ensure it stays clean and free of buildup dust. Having a comfortable space to rest is the ultimate great tip to maximize your rest time.
2. Find someone to talk to
Who said all problems have to be kept alone? It is important to open up and talk about what’s on your mind, and what you feel to people you trust. You can try to confide in your spouse, siblings, parents, or even friends you can trust. This method can be helpful as a stress reliever, and who knows? You may get a great insight or solution to the problem that you’re currently facing.
3. Cultivate positive thinking
The events we encounter in life can either pose challenges or opportunities, depending on our perspective. Hence, cultivating a more optimistic outlook is crucial. To sustain this positive mindset, you and your partner can embark on a journey of self-improvement together by creating a pact. The pact entails documenting the accomplishments and qualities you appreciate in one another. By doing so, you will both foster a deeper sense of gratitude towards each other, leading to reduced stress and a more effective coping mechanism against burnout.
4. Maintain closer relationships with children
Building strong bonds between family members is crucial. Thus, you need to organize family get-togethers more often. Consider implementing measures such as establishing a rule to dine together in the dining room, and encouraging everyone to share updates about their lives. Additionally, setting aside time to engage in outings as a family at least once a week can also have a profound impact. In addition to fostering stronger connections among family members, this practice can help alleviate parental boredom and burnout.
In summary
These are the ultimate must-know about parental burnout and how to deal with it. If you notice that no matter what you do, you still experience signs of parental burnout, don’t hesitate to contact professional help to get the right advice.
Don’t be ashamed to share what you’re feeling. You are not evil just because you are tired of your children, most parents also have the same feeling as you. What’s important is you keep trying to find the best way to manage your stress and what you’re feeling. So you can be the best parent for your children, and the best partner to your spouse.
