Dear exhausted parents,
I want to say you’re not alone.
There are times in the day when I wish I could just vanish. Sounds familiar? The truth is, a lot of people feel this way. It’s not that we don’t love our kids—we love them so much we’d do anything for them—but after 7 p.m., it feels like every ounce of patience has been wrung out of us.
1. Why Do We Feel Like This?
Have you ever felt so drained after a long day with the kids that even the thought of brushing your teeth feels like running a marathon? Like, you’re sitting on the couch, staring at the wall, wondering, “How did I survive today?” If you’ve been there, you might be dealing with something called parental burnout.
2. Why Is It So Common?
- Constant Demands: Parenting is a 24/7 job. You’re not just physically present; you’re also managing meals, cleaning, playtime, emotional support, and everything in between.
- Overstimulation: The noise, the clutter, and the endless stream of “Mom, Dad, watch this!” can overwhelm even the calmest parents.
- Loss of Personal Space: As a parent, it’s easy to feel like you’ve lost any semblance of “me time.” There’s always someone needing your attention.
And here’s the kicker: societal pressure to “enjoy every moment” only adds to the guilt, making burnout even harder to admit. But recognizing it is the first step to addressing it.
Accepting that you’re burnout doesn’t make you a bad mom or dad. I’ve been there. My toddler would be cracking me up one minute, and I’d still be secretly glancing at the clock thinking, “Is it bedtime yet?” It doesn’t mean you don’t love your child. It means you’re human.
Now that we know why this happens, what can we do about it?
3. Tips for Parents Who Feel Stuck
Here’s the good news: just like your kids grow out of phases, this feeling won’t last forever either. Many parents find that once kids get older and a bit more independent, life feels less like a constant sprint.
But here’s the thing—you don’t have to just sit around waiting for things to get better. Sometimes, you need to make things better.
If you’re desperate for a short break, ask for help. Call up a friend, neighbor, or family member to babysit for a bit. If the budget allows, hiring a babysitter could be a lifesaver.
There’s something so comforting about knowing you’re not alone. If you’ve got a parent friend, vent over coffee. If you’re close to your parents, ask them if they’ve ever felt this way—chances are, she has.
And if you don’t feel like talking face-to-face? The internet’s your friend. Parenting forums and social media groups are full of people going through the exact same thing. Sometimes just typing it out or seeing others say, “Same here!” can be the emotional reset you need.
Reminders
Parenting isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. Some days will feel smooth, and others will feel like climbing a mountain. But every step you take shows how much you care.
So take it one day at a time. Celebrate the little moments, lean on others for support, and know that you’re stronger than you think. You’ve got this.