Handling Year-end Fatigue: Strategies for Parents and Preschoolers

Parenthood is indeed a rewarding journey, but we understand that it’s not an easy one! Most parents feel a bit overwhelmed and exhausted because they’re juggling between parenthood and modern life’s pressures.

However, it is not uncommon for children to feel overwhelmed too with all the activities they do on a daily basis.

In this blog, we will understand some parental burnout strategies and how we can help children feel a bit relaxed. 

What is Parent Burnout?

When you as a parent are in an overwhelming emotional, mental, and, at times, physical state that results in exhaustion, it is called Parent Burnout. It can have significant implications for families. 

You may feel helpless and hopeless too as parental burnout strategies is a complex, multifactorial problem. This can multiply if parents are working because they must juggle personal, professional, and parental life all at the same time. 

Causes of Parental Burnout 

• Financial stress 

• Work-life balance 

• Lack of support 

• Unrealistic expectations 

Parental Burnout Strategies 

Here are some parental burnout strategies that will help you in feeling like yourself again:

• Acknowledge Your Feelings: The first parental burnout strategy to overcome any sort of parent burnout is to acknowledge that you are struggling, and it is becoming overwhelming for you. According to a survey, 65% of working parents reported burnout. You should understand that parental burnout is very common. You don’t have to be perfect all the time and accepting that you are facing some challenges while taking care of your child makes you human. 

• Addressing Lack of Sleep: We all know that lack of sleep can have drastic implications on the human body. That is why, as a parent, you should make sure that you are taking care of your body and giving it enough time to rest. It will not only keep your physical health at par, but it will also keep you mentally fit. Practicing good sleep hygiene, like avoiding caffeine in the evening or before sleep, can go a long way. 

• Prioritize Self-care: No matter how busy you are or how challenging your toddler is, always make sure that you have some time to indulge in your interests or hobbies that are outside of parenting. This will recharge your batteries and give you ample time to be prepared for the next challenge that your toddler might throw at you. 

• Parenting Support: You must understand that parenting is not just a one-person or two-person job. In South Africa, children are raised in a community, not just in a home. You can also read a book or gain some education on how to deal with toddlers and their tantrums. This will help you understand your child’s mentality, which will make you better at managing their emotions. 

• Seek Support: In South Africa, leaning on extended family including neighbours, relatives, or even friends for childcare is very common. We believe that parenting doesn’t have to be done alone. That is why you should seek support from your community whenever you are feeling overwhelmed. This is one of the best parental burnout strategies! 

• Stress Management and Mindfulness Techniques: As we have established, dealing with a toddler can be confusing and challenging. Hence, it is important that you focus on your mental health and practice some mindfulness techniques that will keep your calm. You can indulge in yoga, moments of quiet, journaling your thoughts, or maybe take a hike to a beautiful trail near your neighbourhood. Including mindfulness in your daily life is another effective parental burnout strategy. 

What To Do When Your Preschooler Is Experiencing Burnout? 

• Create a Supportive Environment: Everybody needs an emotional and safe space to express themselves and so do our young toddlers. You have to ensure that your child feels safe and valued. Always respond with empathy, as this will help them build resilience and is an important part of preschool burnout prevention. 

• Balance Expectations: A competitive spirit runs deep in toddlers, and that’s why you must ensure your child does not fear failure but is encouraged to strive for success. Do not push children beyond their emotional or developmental readiness, as it can lead to anxiety. 

• Encourage Rest: We understand that you want your child to thrive in every situation, but that does not mean pushing them beyond their limit. Constant pressure without mental or physical rest can lead to burnout and reduced motivation. 

• Always Communicate with Your Toddler: Many times, simply talking to your child can solve a lot of issues. Open communication is the way to go, encourage your child to express their feelings without fear of judgment. This kind of healthy dialogue supports preschool burnout prevention and nurtures emotional well-being. 

We understand that burnout and exhaustion are common because being a parent is a 24/7 role that’s both demanding and rewarding. That’s why our educators at Dibber go the extra mile to support you and your toddlers, creating the best environment possible. We’re not just a preschool; we’re an extended family!