Day-to-day, parenting can take a toll on the mental health of everyone in the family.
A survey earlier this year by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reported that 62% of parents feel burned out by their responsibilities as a parent.
Of the parents surveyed, Wexner Medical Center reported that:
· About two-thirds felt the demands of parenthood sometimes or frequently felt isolated.
· Nearly 2 in 5 parents felt they had no one to support them in their parenting role.
· Nearly 4 in 5 parents would value a way to connect with other parents outside of work and home.
Here are three ways to curb parenting burnout:
1. Tap into your support system.
Talk to a friend or family member about your feelings of exhaustion or loneliness. It can help you feel supported.
2. Set realistic expectations.
Make sure your to-do list matches your energy levels.
Write down your goals and reassess them each week to see if they are working or if they need to be tweaked.
3. Take small moments for yourself: Create a list of things you like to do that also give you energy.
Find the time to meditate for 20 minutes every day. (Most parents don’t.)
Reflect while doing everyday tasks like brushing your hair or a trip to the mailbox.
It can help you curb burnout and be more present for your children.
August is Family Month – a good time to take a vacation or spend quality time with each other.
Cooper Levenson is a full-service law firm established in 1957. Cynthia N. Grob, Esq., a partner with nearly 20 years of experience in family law, can be reached at cgrob@cooperlevenson.com or by calling 856-857-5538.
