Can Your Kids Get Burned Out?

When you think of someone who is burned out, you might picture an overworked business executive, a tired parent or carer or an athlete training too hard for the Olympics. The truth is that anyone can become overwhelmed at any age. Kids experience burnout too.

Sure, they don’t usually have mortgages and jobs. However, they do have internal and external pressures of their own. School, friendships, and other challenges of growing up can be a lot to deal with. In the last year and a half a lot of external interruptions had caused lifestyles as we know it to be changed.

As a parent, you can help. Try these tips for raising children who will thrive.

How to Restore Energy

Emotional fatigue is a major sign of burnout in children and adults. Show your son or daughter how to recharge when they're feeling drained.

Try these methods:

1. Cut back. Doing less could be part of the solution. Many children are over scheduled today with academic and extracurricular activities. This includes the online learning and social interactions. Focus on the clubs and sports that your child enjoys most and allow plenty of free time in between.
2. Prioritize sleep. Lack of sufficient sleep at a young age can affect body weight, mental health, behavior, and cognitive performance, according to the Sleep Foundation. Nine to twelve hours of sleep each day is recommended for school-age children, with those numbers decreasing as they grow older.
3. Eat healthy. Kids can be picky eaters, but you can help them make nutritious choices. Complex carbohydrates, nuts, and foods rich in calcium may be especially beneficial for fighting stress.
4. Work out. Physical activity is another constructive way to deal with pressure. Exercise together with family fitness classes online, at your local gym or neighborhood park. Ride bikes or take a walk after dinner.
5. Practice self-care. Introduce your child to self-care and relaxation methods. Many free resources are online.

How to Build and Maintain Connections

Prevent burnout by teaching your child how to create community and stay engaged. They’ll be more resilient when they know how to motivate themselves and seek support from others.

Keep these ideas in mind:

1. Offer choices. Burnout often involves a sense of losing control. Let your child make decisions about which homework assignment to tackle first or what they want for a snack.
2. Play around. Is your child eager to please or concerned about how they measure up to others? They may lighten up if you suggest games without any rules or final scores.
3. Make art. Encourage your child’s creativity. Crafts are a practical way to take their mind off their troubles and build their self-esteem. Colouring in, playdoh or get creative with that Lego.
4. Monitor media consumption. Your family may need a break from politics and pandemics if you keep the news playing in the background for much of the day. Pay attention to what your children are seeing and hearing in stores and other public places too.
5. Prepare for life events. Your child may be more vulnerable than usual if your family moved recently or is going through a divorce. Maintaining routines can help them feel secure.
6. Provide a role model. The way you handle stress will influence your children. Try to maintain a positive attitude and healthy lifestyle even when you’re recovering from remote working and hybrid learning.
7. Talk about emotions. Let your child know that it’s okay to feel angry or sad. If you spend quality time together on a regular basis, you’ll make it easier to have sensitive conversations.

Be alert for signs of burnout in your child. That may include insomnia, irritability, and withdrawing from activities they used to enjoy. With your support and professional counseling as needed, you can guide them back to a happier and more balanced life.

Reach out and seek help where needed.  You are not alone.

Annmarie x