As you gear up for another round of school pickups, soccer practices, and the endless to-do lists that come with parenting, I want to take a moment to talk about something that might be hitting close to home - parental burnout.
Because here's the thing: It's real, it's sneaky, and it's something we need to address head-on.
You know those days when every little thing feels like it's pushing you over the edge? When you snap at your partner over who forgot to buy milk, or you find yourself counting down the minutes until bedtime?
Yeah, we've all been there. And while it's easy to brush it off as just another rough day, it might be a sign that something deeper is brewing.
So, let's talk about the signs. If you're feeling more irritable than usual, snapping at the drop of a hat. Or if you're losing your patience faster than you used to, finding it harder to keep your cool when your kiddo tests your limits for the umpteenth time. And if you're tossing and turning in bed, unable to fall asleep because your mind races with everything you need to do tomorrow, pay close attention.
Burnout begins with feeling tired, frazzled, and irritable. It eventually escalates until the stress becomes too much to bear, affecting every aspect of your life. It manifests as a profound level of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion, causing you to feel disconnected from your kids, your partner, and even yourself. If left unchecked, it can have significant consequences for you and your family.
So, what can we do about it? According to the research, we need to start talking about it. Sharing our struggles with other moms who get it is incredibly supportive and empowering. We all need constant validation and reminders that we're not alone in this crazy journey called motherhood.
But beyond that, we need to give ourselves permission to take a step back and reassess our priorities. We need to ask, "What's most important here?" Do I pack the perfect lunch or spend more time connecting with my kiddo? Do I deplete all of my resources, keep my home spotless, or stop to take a quick nap? It means saying "no" more often and asking for help when needed. It also means carving out a few minutes in your day to recharge- like sipping a cup of tea (or coffee) in peace.
Most importantly, let's remember to be kind to ourselves. Over and over, I meet with moms who feel inadequate and ineffective as parents, and they torment themselves with vicious self-talk.
Be kind with your thoughts, words, and how you treat yourself.
If you're tired, rest. If you're hungry, eat. If you're feeling lonely, reach out. Take care of your body, your mind, your spirit. I know it sounds obvious, but if I had a nickel for every mom who neglects self-care, I'd be rich!
So, take GOOD care of yourself. Show up for yourself —just as you do for everyone else. Because if you don't, who will?
If you think you are experiencing burnout, take tiny steps to increase your resources and decrease your stress by sharing your struggle with others, asking for help, adjusting your expectations, and being kind to yourself.
It's important. You're worth it. 💗
So here's to you. Here's to the late nights and the early mornings, the tears and the laughter, the chaos and the quiet moments of connection. Here's to weathering the storms of parenthood together, one day at a time.
With love and respect,
Coco
P.S. Looking for ways to connect with your kiddos? Check out our free download below.
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