Getting Through Exhaustion
Our multiple parental responsibilities can sometimes be a huge stressor, but repeatedly ignoring these signs of overload can lead to a state of exhaustion. There are different ways to prevent this, so what should we do when we realize that we are at the end of our rope?
To remember
👉 To prevent parental burnout, take care of yourself and give yourself permission to make mistakes.
👉 If you feel exhausted, don't hesitate to ask for help from your family and friends or from professionals.
While a small dose of stress can be beneficial, too much overload can push a parent to exhaustion. Before heading down that path, here are some tips to prevent burnout and recharge our batteries.
Give Yourself Permission to Make Mistakes
As parents, we have the right to make mistakes. In fact, some are inevitable. So why do these mistakes often turn into a deep sense of failure? Lowering our expectations of ourselves can help us feel less guilt and let go of aspects we cannot control.
Don't Play the "Super Parent"
Playing the "super parent" greatly risks draining our energy. It can be tempting to aim to intervene in all the behaviors that bother us in our child, but this is not realistic. Why not choose our battles?
Show Humor and Imagination
Having an imaginative spirit and a good dose of self-love can help us gain perspective on events. Sometimes, taking things lightly, with a touch of humor, helps to lower tension! From time to time, it's okay not to take ourselves too seriously!
Find Sources of Satisfaction
These allow us to refuel. Distracting ourselves and relaxing, as much as possible, can be effective ways to recharge our batteries (e.g., exercising or taking a short walk, having a hot coffee or a good bath, reading a magazine, etc.)!
Sometimes, simple tips for better time management can really make a difference (e.g., rethinking the morning routine, planning or preparing meals in advance, involving the other parent, sharing certain tasks with our child, etc.).
Lessen the Impact of External Pressure
Many parents can feel vulnerable to criticism or external judgment, which can fuel existing doubts. Why not choose messages that feel good rather than those that hurt?
Recognize Your Teen's Qualities
All teenagers have inherent qualities in their personality, and it's important to recognize them. It's easy to recognize the qualities of an obedient, studious, neat child, etc., but we should also recognize the qualities of a child with boundless imagination, remarkable sensitivity, the ability to do things in an original way, possessing a beautiful spontaneity, etc.
💡 Discover testimonials from parents of teens here.
Reserve Special Moments with Your Child
Spending enjoyable moments with our child can do a lot of good for both parent and child. Simply choose simple activities that will please the child and not cause stress to the parents.
Add New Strategies to Your Toolbox
Because the challenges of raising a child are constantly evolving, it can be particularly useful to diversify our tools and methods, and to see what other families are doing.
What to Do If Exhaustion Occurs?
"I can't take it anymore, I'm at my wit's end!" Being at the end of your rope, constantly feeling overwhelmed, and having difficulty getting through daily life are signs that can indicate great fatigue and a feeling of exhaustion. Recognizing that we are exhausted is the first step towards feeling better!
Many signs can give us clues about our degree of exhaustion. Some people will experience physical symptoms, while others will feel mental and emotional fatigue.
Take It One Hour at a Time
When strength is depleted, the idea is to take it one step at a time, one day at a time. It's okay to allow ourselves to reduce our activities and take breaks.
Listen to Your Limits
This can be an opportunity to review our expectations and the goals we have set for ourselves. Are our expectations realistic? Do we expect perfection from our child and ourselves in all circumstances?
💡Read our article: What is mental health?
Make Room for Your Emotions
Allowing ourselves to experience our emotions and even talk about them can help us free ourselves from them. Finding an adequate space to do so, whether in therapy or with a trusted friend, can make all the difference.
Seek Comfort and Help
Support received from the environment can take many forms (emotional help, respite, etc.). Do not hesitate to ask for support from your entourage, as well as from professional resources (psychologist, doctor, nurse, psychoeducator, etc.). Breaking isolation is essential!
