Parenting Burnout: Finding Your Way Back to Calm and Connection

Written By Reagan Glover

Parenting can be one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences in life — but it can also be exhausting. Many parents, especially those raising school-age or neurodivergent children, find themselves feeling drained, overwhelmed, and disconnected from themselves. This experience is often called parenting burnout, and you are not alone if you’ve been feeling it.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California, I work with parents who feel stuck in survival mode and are longing for balance, support, and hope.

What Is Parenting Burnout?

Parenting burnout is more than just being tired. It’s a chronic state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that can make it difficult to show up as the parent you want to be. Common signs include:

  • Feeling irritable or short-tempered with your children or partner

  • Trouble sleeping, or never feeling rested

  • Guilt for needing time away from your family

  • Feeling disconnected from joy, hobbies, or your sense of self

  • Questioning whether you’re “good enough” as a parent

Burnout often comes from trying to do it all without enough rest, support, or self-compassion.

Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish

Many parents tell me they feel guilty when they take time for themselves. But the truth is, caring for yourself is an essential part of caring for your family. As the saying goes you cannot pour from an empty cup and a depleted parent can’t give from a place of warmth and patience.

Simple practices that help:

  • Taking five minutes for deep breathing before transitions

  • Saying “no” to extra commitments that stretch you too thin

  • Reaching out for support — whether from friends, family, or therapy

  • Remembering that rest is productive

How Therapy Can Help Parents Facing Burnout

In therapy, you don’t have to carry the weight alone. Together, we can:

  • Explore the root causes of your burnout

  • Learn tools to regulate stress and calm your nervous system

  • Build healthier boundaries around time and energy

  • Reconnect with your identity outside of parenting

  • Strengthen your ability to show up with compassion for yourself and your children

I work with parents throughout California, and in person in Scotts Valley and Aptos, to help them find relief, regain balance, and feel more grounded in daily life.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

If you’re noticing signs of burnout, know that you are not failing — you are simply human. Support is available. If you’re ready to begin easing the weight of parenting burnout, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

📍 I offer in-person sessions in Scotts Valley, CA, and Aptos, CA, as well as secure online therapy for clients throughout California. Give me a call at (831) 460-2550 x4. I offer free 15 phone consultations to see if we are a good fit.

✨ You deserve care, too. Taking the first step toward support can help you reclaim calm, joy, and connection — for yourself and your family.

Reagan Glover