I’m emerging from a four-week slump that culminated in a week and a half of total burnout. I’ve faced parent burnout before—who hasn’t? Parenting toddlers and preschoolers can be a real challenge, and I don’t need to explain why. Sure, there are joyful moments that usually outweigh the tough times. However, burnout is a genuine struggle, and if you’re sitting there thinking you’ve never experienced even a hint of it as a parent, well, congratulations. You’ve found the magic solution, and we’d all love to know where to buy it. Also, let’s be honest—you’re probably not telling the truth.
This wasn’t just your typical parent burnout, the kind that fades after a rough few days. No, this was a relentless wave of challenges that left me feeling like I was standing in the path of a fire hose. When the pressure let up, I’d muster every ounce of strength to get back up, only to be knocked down again just when I thought I was on my feet. Eventually, I just surrendered.
During those dark days, I disconnected from everything and everyone for about a week. I only responded to my kids if they were hungry or hurt. I ignored laundry and let dishes pile up. Food crumbs remained on the floor for days. I figured my family had hands and could manage their own tasks, like putting their dishes in the sink and feeding the cats. My emotional reserves had hit a wall, and I simply stopped caring.
So, what triggered this burnout?
It was an accumulation of moments—years of demands, months of stress, and weeks of overwhelming situations, including:
- Yelling from Another Room
We share the same space, so why not just walk to the kitchen for a chat? - Repetitive Questions
Clearly, asking the same thing 40 times won’t lead to a different answer. - Resistance to Simple Requests
“Please put on your shoes.” “I don’t need shoes today.” “Actually, we’re going to the doctor.” “No, we aren’t.” - Debating Answers
“Mommy, is it going to rain today?” “No, it won’t.” “Yes, it will! I saw the clouds.” “There are no clouds.” “Well, yes there are.” - Selective Hearing
It’s maddening when you talk to someone who acts as if they can’t see or hear you. - Endless Repetition
Having to repeat myself multiple times feels like I’m auctioning off cars instead of just asking for a simple task. - Quietly Repeating Questions
When they ask me to repeat, they do so in a whisper while pressed against the screen door, making it impossible to hear. - Constantly Hearing My Name
Some days, it feels like someone is calling for “Mommy” every minute. Then, when I respond, it’s silence. - Whining
I understand toddlers can’t help it, but I expect my preschoolers to communicate without the whine. - Nighttime Wakeups
For weeks, someone has been up at night—whether it’s my kids or the cats. On those rare nights of peace, I’m still waking up, wondering why it’s too quiet. - Dirty Dishes in an Empty Sink
I get the mechanics of using a dishwasher, so why are dirty dishes left in the sink? - Late-Night Quiet Time
Staying up late to have some time for myself often backfires when someone wakes up as soon as I hit the pillow. - Laundry Piling Up
Laundry is the never-ending chore. If it doesn’t get done, I might as well be buying clothes from Target—hoping they’re clean. - Overloading a Short Time Frame
There are only 24 hours in a day, and I try to squeeze in too much in too little time. - Ignoring My Kids
When I focus on something I want to do, my kids act out, trying to grab my attention. - Constant Clutter
Our house is in a perpetual state of chaos. I haven’t seen our countertops since the day we moved in. - Lack of Balance
Finding equilibrium in parenting seems impossible until the kids reach school age. - Mysterious Rogue Socks
Socks mysteriously disappear, leaving behind a collection of single socks like tiny cotton vigilantes. - Toy Parts Everywhere
Scattered toy pieces make my life feel like a scene from the “Twilight Zone.” - Too Much Togetherness
I adore my family, but spending every moment together can drive anyone a bit loopy. Everyone needs personal space—even just a short walk.
If you’re nearing the brink of parent burnout, be gentle with yourself. Let go of tasks that can wait. When life feels like a high-pressure hose, find a way to sidestep the spray. Sometimes, retreating into a ball until the storm passes is the best option. Just lie there and wait for the sun to emerge, giving you the strength to rise again.
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Summary
Parenting can lead to burnout due to a combination of repetitive demands, constant chaos, and the challenge of finding personal space. Recognizing triggers and allowing yourself to step back can be essential for recovery. Embrace the need for self-care and don’t hesitate to prioritize your well-being.