Parenting is a demanding role, often requiring long hours, high expectations, and constant pressure (Lipman, 2023). While raising children can be incredibly rewarding, it can also take a significant emotional and mental toll. Parental burnout, a state of chronic stress and exhaustion specifically related to parenting, is a growing concern (Alarcon et al., 2019). If left unaddressed, burnout can negatively impact a parent’s well-being, their ability to make sound decisions, and their relationships with their children and partner, potentially harming the family unit (Fernandez et al., 2023). Therefore, it’s crucial to recognize and address the cost and consequences of parental burnout to foster a healthy family environment (Shanafelt et al., 2021).
Here are three key factors that contribute to parental burnout:
1. Overwhelming Workload and High Expectations
The constant demands of childcare, household management, and often balancing work outside the home can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed (Michel et al., 2019). The pressure to be the “perfect” parent, especially in today’s social media-driven world, can be immense. While it’s natural to have high hopes for your children, it’s crucial to set realistic expectations for yourself and your family (Locke & Latham, 2013). Many parents, especially single parents, effectively take on the workload of two people (Parker et al., 2017). While sacrifices are often part of parenting, it’s important to set manageable goals based on your family’s current capacity and adjust as your children grow (Lawlor & Hornyak, 2012).
2. Role Conflict
Conflicts between the demands of parenting, personal aspirations, and relationship needs can create significant stress (Montgomery et al., 2015). Balancing personal values with the realities of raising children in today’s world can be challenging. For example, a parent who values independence might struggle with the constant demands of a young child. Parents can mitigate this by prioritizing self-care, communicating openly with their partner, and setting boundaries that allow for individual needs within the family unit (Brown & Treviño, 2006). It’s important to avoid sacrificing long-term family well-being for short-term gains or societal pressures (Crane et al., 2019).
3. Lack of Support
Insufficient resources, lack of adequate childcare options, or inadequate support from a partner or family members can contribute to parental burnout (Salvagioni et al., 2017). Many parents struggle to access affordable childcare or feel isolated in their parenting journey. Access to resources like parenting classes, support groups, and reliable childcare can be crucial for achieving family well-being (Hobfoll et al., 2018). A strong family vision is important, but it’s equally essential to have the capacity, shared strategies, and mutual support to achieve it (DeRue et al., 2011).
Reflection for Parents
· As a parent, what burnout challenges have you faced?
· How can you apply these insights to create a more supportive and sustainable environment for yourself and your family?
References
· Alarcon, G., Eschleman, K. J., & Bowling, N. A. (2019). Relationships between personality, burnout, and leadership styles. Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, 26(4), 494-509.
· Brown, M. E., & Treviño, L. K. (2006). Ethical leadership: A review and future directions. The leadership quarterly, 17(6), 595-616.
· Crane, A., Matten, D., Glozer, S., & Spence, L. J. (2019). Business ethics: Managing corporate citizenship and sustainability in the age of globalization. Oxford University Press.
· DeRue, D. S., Nahrgang, J. D., Wellman, N., & Humphrey, S. E. (2011). Trait and behavioral theories of leadership: An integration and meta‐analytic test of their relative validity. Personnel psychology, 64(1), 7-52.
· Fernandez, S., Lorente, L., & Ramos, J. (2023). The impact of transformational leadership on employee engagement, burnout and intention to leave: A mediation model through the lens of self-determination theory. Journal of Business Research, 154, 113335.
· Hobfoll, S. E., Halbesleben, J. R., Neveu, J. P., & Westman, M. (2018). Conservation of resources in the organizational context: The reality of resources and their consequences. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 5, 103-128.
· Lawlor, K. B., & Hornyak, M. J. (2012). SMART goals: How the application of smart goals can contribute to achievement of student learning outcomes. Developments in Business Simulation and Experiential Learning, 39, 259-267.
· Lipman, V. (2023). The Type B Manager: Leading Successfully in a Type A World. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
· Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2013). New developments in goal setting and task performance. Routledge.
· Michel, J. S., Shuck, B., Clark, M. A., & Baltes, B. B. (2019). Daily work stressors and recovery experiences: Implications for employee burnout and work engagement. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 24(1), 1.
· Montgomery, A. J., Panagopolou, E., Benos, A., & Daskolia, M. (2015). A meta-analysis of the role of stress in the relationship between job demands and job performance. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 87, 123-135.
· Parker, S. K., Bindl, U. K., & Strauss, K. (2017). Making things happen: A model of proactive motivation. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 4, 427-456.
· Salvagioni, D. A., Melanda, F. N., Mesas, A. E., Gonzalez, A. D., Gabani, F. L., & Andrade, S. M. (2017). Physical, psychological and occupational consequences of job burnout: A systematic review of prospective studies. PloS one, 12(10), e0185781.
· Shanafelt, T., West, C. P., Sinsky, C., & Trockel, M. (2021). Changes in burnout and satisfaction with work-life integration in physicians and the general US working population between 2011 and 2020. Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes, 5(1), 160-168.