By Sophie Bascour, So-Organised

Being a parent is an adventure as extraordinary as it is demanding. Yet many parents feel overwhelmed, exhausted and out of breath. Long a taboo subject, parental burnout is now a worrying reality.

According to a study by the Université Catholique de Louvain(UCLouvain), 5% of Belgian parents suffer from parental burnout, while a survey by the Ligue des Familles indicates that 20% are on the verge of exhaustion. This alarming finding underlines the urgent need to talk about it and implement appropriate solutions.

Deep exhaustion affects many parents

Parental burnout doesn’t mean a lack of love for one’s children, but an overload of responsibilities that is mentally and physically draining. Juggling work and family life becomes a real challenge. The result:

• 87% of parents feel constantly tired
• 78% lack time for themselves
• 67% live under chronic stress
• 52% have an impact on their emotional life

This intense pressure can lead to extreme thoughts. We’re talking here about separating from the couple in order to escape the mental burden every other week or, in some cases, suicidal thoughts. But it is possible to get out of it, provided you recognize this exhaustion and adopt appropriate strategies.

A mental load that is still too often unbalanced

While mothers are the first to be affected by this overload, many parents of all backgrounds also suffer. Fortunately, changing attitudes are encouraging a more balanced sharing of family responsibilities. To alleviate this pressure, it is essential that each member of the household contributes, according to his or her ability, to the management of daily life.

Ways to regain serenity and balance

Good news! Solutions exist to lighten the mental load and restore family balance, such as :

• Rearrange your working hours: reducing your hours or teleworking offers greater flexibility and a better work/life balance.
• Create a supportive environment: surround yourself with loved ones and dare to ask for help. Breaking isolation is essential to better manage difficult periods.
• Take time for yourself: recharge your batteries, enjoy a soothing activity, preserve your personal space. A parent who feels good about herself is a more serene parent.
• Encourage family involvement: share responsibilities with your partner. Include children in daily chores. Everyone contributes to the balance of the household.
• Seek support: specialized professionals can help you regain your balance. They provide concrete tools to lighten the mental load.

A new look at parenthood

Parental burnout is not inevitable. By accepting that perfection doesn’t exist, and by establishing new balances, it’s possible to breathe new life into your daily routine.

The important thing is to take care of yourself and dare to talk about it. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. You’re not alone! Solutions exist to help every family regain serenity and well-being.

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