You First, Parenting Second: IMPORTANCE OF SELF-CARE

Over the past quinquennium, parental burnout has become a major concern with an increasing number of parents struggling to cope with family and societal pressures, umpteen challenges of modern life and parental duties

- RAHUL SHAH

For most parents, parenting is a big to-do list that never ends. Between juggling office, home, school routines, meal plans and children's play, parents have little or no time for themselves. Most are so over-invested in their children's well-being that they often ignore their own physical and emotional health.

But parents, please note your emotional state directly affects your children. If you're emotionally drained and exhausted, the negative energy will manifest in your parenting. Children sense it when parents constantly worry about their schoolwork and marks, or express nervousness. Being “always on” doesn’t make you a better parent; it burns you out.

During the past quinquennium, parental burnout has become a major problem with an increasing number of parents struggling to cope with family and societal pressures, umpteen challenges of modern life and parenting duties. Typical burnout symptoms include exhaustion, fatigue, exasperation and emotional distancing from children. Several studies have concluded that parental burnout adversely affects parenting obligations and capability. Highly-stressed parents tend to pass their anxiety, frustration and exhaustion onto children.

BURNOUT SIGNS

If you suspect you're experiencing parental burnout, ask yourself these questions to assess your condition:

Exhaustion

• Do you wake up feeling as tired as when you went to bed?

• Do you find routine parenting tasks (e.g, helping with homework) overwhelming?

• Do you feel you are pushing through exhaustion, telling yourself you'll rest later?

• Do you feel mentally foggy, forgetful, and struggle to focus on conversation?

If you answered 'Yes' to these questions, you are experiencing physical and mental exhaustion.

Cynicism

• Do you feel emotionally distant from your child, even when spending time together?