19/02/2025
It seems like talk of parental burnout is everywhere at the moment. This article describes a parent burnout research lab and their work to establish a diagnostic questionnaire to help parents assess the severity of their own symptoms. Looking at 23 different points, based on data from 30,000 parents, the authors draw out 4 key dimensions of parent burnout: ‘emotional exhaustion’, ‘emotional distancing’, ‘feelings of being fed up’ and ‘contrast with the previous parental self’.
Emotional exhaustion is often the first signal that someone might be approaching burnout. It means that, more than being tired at the end of a day, like all parents, a parent feels like they can’t do it anymore. They are struggling to think properly anymore, and they might have overwhelming physical fatigue, which doesn’t go away with a good night’s sleep. The fatigue can be so bad they seek medical attention and tests, thinking something has gone wrong with their body.
Often not talked about, or ignored by everyone involved, parent burnout can leave you feeling exhausted and emotionally depleted, all the time. If you’re feeling numb and frustrated, or like you’ve hit rock bottom, it can feel like there’s no way out. You have to carry on parenting, you have to carry on working, so there’s no space to try anything different or contemplate making any changes.
Emotional exhaustion can lead to emotional distancing. When you have nothing left to give, and your children are asking more and more of you, it can be a natural reaction to detach from them emotionally, to try and protect yourself and to get a break. You stop listening quite so attentively to what they’re saying, you find yourself caring less about how they are feeling. You keep doing the basics, making meals, putting the washing on, charging the devices, but it’s like running on autopilot. This isn’t healthy for you or them, and can affect your relationship.
There aren’t easy, quick fixes when things have gotten so overwhelming, but there are things that can help you feel a bit better. My parent wellbeing webinars are about nurturing the very system that keeps you going, so you can thrive—not just survive—parenting. They are mainly practical, using evidence based tools to ease stress, reclaim moments of calm, and finds ways to rebuild amid the daily whirlwind. This isn’t about a quick fix or a grand one off gesture—it’s about empowering you to tune in to your body’s signals and create lasting, positive change in your life. Come and connect with others going through similar experiences in the chat.
The next webinar is on Thursday 27th February, 12 pm. Book via Eventbrite, there is a recording option if you can’t make the time.
Calm and Connect: Nervous System Care for Parents
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1244751046889?aff=oddtdtcreator
