By KELLI CHAMBERS Youth First Inc.

When we talk to fellow parents about how hard our jobs can be, we often hear responses like, Oh yeah, Ive experienced that too. Thats just part of being a mom/dad. Sometimes it feels as if your childs needs are endless and seem impossible to manage. Of course our childs happiness is what we as parents strive for, but sometimes we need more.

We often hear about how people feel burnt out in their jobs or even in their relationships, but rarely do we hear about feeling burnt out on parenting. It almost feels taboo because parents have been taught that being tired, stressed and overwhelmed is just part of it.

Social media plays a big role with the expectation of being the perfect family who has it all together. These expectations are unrealistic and untrue. There will inevitably be times of stress, chaos and unhappy emotions in every family.

So what does parental burnout look like? Burnt out parents are exhausted from the never-ending demands of parenting. They can feel as if they are on autopilot or in survival mode. Your sleep can be negatively affected both the amount and quality. Going to work can serve as a relief. There, you might feel calm, focused and successful, where you might not feel that at home.

Parental burnout can be broken down into three categories: exhaustion, detachment and inefficacy. Just as it sounds, exhaustion is never getting to fully recharge. Detachment is being less able to take pleasure in day-to-day activities with your children. Lastly, inefficacy shows through when parents feel they are ineffective in their parenting.

We cant give what we dont have. It is our responsibility as parents to identify when we are struggling and to make a decision about what to do about it. Our kids ultimately feel the consequences of our lack of self-awareness or self-care.

One of the biggest effects on our kids is when we are not able to attune to them. We cant be our most patient, loving and nurturing selves if we are disconnected from our own needs.

Parents often struggle with taking time to do something for themselves when they could be doing something for their child instead. By taking care of ourselves, our kids are reaping a bigger benefit. They get a parent who is fully present and engaged. Here are a few ways to alleviate some of your burnout symptoms:

1. Reach out to your doctor or therapist to discuss any concerns.

2. Ask your partner to take something off of your plate or utilize daycare to give yourself time to rest or do something that makes you happy.

3. Give yourself permission to say no to demands that will stretch you too thin.

4. Communicate your needs to your partner/loved ones.

5. Prioritize your sleep.

6. Take care of your body through exercise, healthy eating, etc.

Another good way to do a self-check is to use Dr. Oscar Serrallachs acronym SPAN. Identify what your true needs are and determine what you need to do to fulfill them.

S- Sleep

P- Purpose

A- Activity

N- Nutrition

Parenthood, at times, can be a difficult and thankless job, but it is a job many of us would not trade for anything. Being mindful of your needs allows for a better version of yourself, and your kids will directly benefit.

Kelli Chambers, LCSW, is a Youth First social worker at Central High School in Vanderburgh County. Youth First Inc. is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening youth and families. Youth First provides 78 master's level social workers to 105 schools in 12 Indiana counties. Over 60,000 youth and families per year are served by Youth First's school social work and after-school programs that prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors and maximize student success. To learn more about Youth First, visit youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336.

Read more from the original source:
The burnout we don't talk about - The Herald