Let’s be real: parenting is one of the most rewarding things we’ll ever do – and one of the most relentless. When the exhaustion starts outweighing the joy, you’re not failing. You’re just burnt out.
And burnout doesn’t make you a bad parent.
It makes you a normal one.
Here are 5 compassionate, doable ways to care for yourself without adding more pressure to your already packed day:
1. The Little Things Are Actually Big
Burnout thrives in the long-haul stress cycle. But even the tiniest reset buttons can interrupt it. A glass of water. Five deep breaths. Stretching for 30 seconds.
Try this: Choose one small thing—a walk, an early bedtime, a healthy snack, a song that moves you—and do it today. Then track it.
Watch how those micro-moments start stacking into something powerful.
2. Record the Good Stuff (So You Can Borrow From It Later)
On the days you feel connected, hopeful, like you’re doing okay – capture it.
Write down:
- What made today feel better?
- What did you do that worked?
- What do you want to remember for next time?
This becomes your burnout recovery manual – a toolkit written by you, for you. And when you hit a low point, you’ll have a trail of breadcrumbs leading you back to yourself.
3. Ask for Help Like You Deserve It (Because You Do)
Asking for help isn’t weakness – it’s wise strategy.
Start with a list:
- What absolutely needs to get done?
- What would be nice to get done?
- What would restore me, even just a little?
Now ask yourself:
-What would it look like to receive help with this?
-Who can offer it?
-How would it feel to accept it?
Notice: not once did we ask, “Do I deserve help?”
You do. Full stop.
4. Step Away and Do Something That Feeds You
Sometimes you just need a moment away from the swirl.
Grab tacos with a friend. Revisit a hobby. Go somewhere you’ve never been – even if it’s 10 minutes down the road.
Distance creates perspective. Perspective creates ease. And sometimes ease is the most generous thing we can give ourselves.
5. Organize One Tiny Thing
Overwhelm feeds burnout. But organizing just one chaotic process can help shift your entire day.
Meal times?
Homework chaos?
The rush to get out the door?
Find one pain point and make it smoother, more predictable, or simply less annoying.
You don’t have to overhaul your whole life. Just reclaim one little piece.
One Last Thing:
You’re not supposed to do this perfectly.
You’re supposed to be human.
Try one strategy. See how it lands. Then try another.
And if you’re up for it—drop a comment:
👉 Which one are you starting with? What’s your first small step?
We’re in this with you. 💛
If inspired, please share.
Related Articles:
3 Simple Ways to Help Your Child & Grandchild Feel Like They Belong (Without Burning Yourself Out)
14 Essential House Rules with Grandparents’ Wisdom for Positive Behavior
