The Hidden Strain of Parenting: When Exhaustion Turns into Burnout

Parenthood is often described as the most rewarding job, but for many, it can feel like the most exhausting. Between the constant juggling of responsibilities, many parents experience a subtle yet powerful shift from tiredness to something much deeper: burnout. It’s a quiet, creeping exhaustion that can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming and leave us questioning if we are enough.

What is Parental Burnout?

Parental burnout isn’t just about feeling tired at the end of the day—though that’s certainly part of it. It’s the persistent, all-encompassing fatigue that doesn’t fade with rest, the emotional numbness that follows, and the growing sense of distance from your role as a parent. It's a feeling of “I can’t do this anymore,”.

While many parents experience fatigue and moments of frustration, parental burnout goes beyond occasional exhaustion. It’s a chronic, overwhelming stress that leaves you unable to recharge, making the demands of parenting feel impossible. And in our society, where “doing it all” is often glorified, admitting that you’re struggling can rouse shame. But there is no shame in this struggle—it’s simply a sign that your mental and emotional resources have been stretched too thin.

The Strain Behind the Smiles

Many parents find themselves caught between the pressure of wanting to be the "perfect" parent and the reality of what we can actually manage. Research has shown how these conflicting expectations create a gap between what parents can give and what’s expected, ultimately contributing to burnout.

The constant push to be on top form at home, at work, and in relationships can lead to feelings of inadequacy and guilt. These emotions can spiral, leaving parents feeling trapped in a cycle of stress, shame, and exhaustion.

Signs You Might Be Heading Toward Burnout

While the signs of burnout are different for everyone, there are some key indicators to watch for:

Chronic Fatigue: No matter how much sleep you get, you feel drained and exhausted, as though you can’t catch up.
Emotional Withdrawal: You find yourself disconnecting emotionally from your children or feeling numb to the joys of parenting.
Sense of Inefficacy: You may begin to feel like no matter how hard you try, it’s never enough, leading to feelings of guilt and inadequacy.
Increased Frustration: Even small tasks feel like monumental challenges, and you’re often overwhelmed by frustration.

Leaning In: The Path to Recovery

If you’re struggling with burnout, there’s hope. Recognizing the signs is the first step. From there, it’s important to take action—not by pushing harder or trying to “fix” everything at once, but by focusing on self-compassion, seeking support, and adjusting expectations.

Here are a few ways to start the healing process:

Acknowledge Your Limits: It’s okay to admit that you’re not perfect. The pressures of trying to “do it all” are often unrealistic, and perfectionism only contributes to burnout. Remind yourself that doing your best is enough.
Reach Out for Help: Don’t be afraid to lean on others if this is an option—whether it’s your partner, family members, or friends. Sometimes, simply having someone else take the reins for a while can make a huge difference.
Set Realistic Expectations: Redefine what success in parenting looks like for you. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on what you can realistically do and accept that “good enough” is often more than enough.
Seek Professional Support: If you find that burnout is affecting your mental health, therapy can be a powerful tool for recovery. Speaking with a therapist can help you process your emotions, reframe your thoughts, and develop coping strategies for long-term resilience.

You Are Not Alone

Remember, you are not alone in this experience. Parental burnout is real, and it affects many parents, but with the right support, it is possible to recover. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out for help. Your well-being matters, not just for you, but for your family as well.

A self-described geek, Maria Laquerre-Diego is a CEO and Owner who is committed to increasing access to mental health services and breaking down the stigma surrounding therapy services. As a therapist turned CEO, Maria has developed a unique perspective when it comes to mental health and the barriers surrounding mental health treatment. Influenced by her time at New Mexico State University in the Family and Consumer Science department, and University of New Hampshire’s Marriage and Family Therapy department, Maria has turned her dedication to giving back and supporting future generations of therapists. In addition to supporting mental health providers, Maria takes an active role in addressing the continued stigma of mental health services through the use of pop culture – everything from movies and television shows to superheroes and Disney characters. Maria has spoken about mental health at several local events, has served as an officer on professional boards and has provided training to clinicians all over the country while maintaining her and her family’s roots as Aggies! Outside of the office, Maria can be found spending time with her family and loved ones, exploring the world through travel, and creating cosplays for herself, her husband and their two little ones. Maria is always happy to talk about Star Wars, Marvel and mental health and can be contacted through her practice website www.anewhopetc.org