Parenting is exhausting. Full stop. It’s simultaneously one of the most amazing and difficult things you accomplish in life. You love your kids deeply and still feel drained. That doesn’t make you a bad parent; it makes you human. Making time for yourself and combating burnout may feel impossible, but there are some simple self-care activities you can do that will make a big difference.
Self-Care That Really Helps
- Lead with compassion (for yourself). When you’re tired or extra frustrated, instead of asking “What’s wrong with me?” try “This feels hard because it is hard.” Validation eases self-blame and helps you move forward with less guilt.
- Stop blaming, start naming. Burnout often comes from self-criticism. Notice the story you’re telling yourself. Instead of reliving how you handled a meltdown at the birthday party, name it for what it was — a hard moment — and give yourself permission to let it pass.
- Add in micro moments. Self-care doesn’t require hours. Take a short walk, drink your coffee while it’s still hot or listen to your favorite song. These short pauses in time will add up and can matter more than waiting for a bigger break “or the perfect moment” … because that time may not come.
- Schedule yourself in. If it’s not on the calendar, it won’t happen. Protect 10 minutes for a hobby, to call a friend or to get outside. Your “you time” matters just as much as soccer practice, dance or a playdate.
- Rediscover you. Sometimes burnout happens because your identify outside of parenting feels a little lost. Think about what used to excite you before kids. Was it running 5ks, volunteering or crocheting? Take one small step toward that interest, even if it looks a little different now.
- Find the fun again. If enjoying parenting feels impossible, look for fun elsewhere first. Watch a funny movie, dance in your kitchen, sign up for a class you’ve always wanted to take. Fun outside parenting often reopens the door to joy inside parenting.
- Use repair, not regret. When burnout leads to yelling, you can always circle back. Tell your child, “I was frustrated and yelled. That wasn’t your fault. I’m working on staying calm.” Repair builds connection and models resilience.
- Lean on your village. If possible, ask family for help. Swap childcare with friends. This could look taking turns with drop-off and pick-up or swapping date night childcare. Lean on your child’s preschool. Your Goddard Village is an extension of your family, ready to help!
Parenting without burnout doesn’t mean feeling energized all the time. You’re not failing because you’re tired; you’re simply doing something profoundly demanding. By scheduling yourself in, validating your own exhaustion and finding yourself again outside of parenting, you’re modeling what it looks like to be human: imperfect, resilient and worthy of love. Remember, caring for yourself is caring for your family.
