For many days Sujata Singh was feeling completely exhausted. The doctors could find nothing wrong with her, but she felt chronically drained out, tired, and fatigued.

With a prescription of supplements, the doctor told her to take it easy and consult a therapist.

It made complete sense.

With work from home and school happening for the last 20 months, her plate was overflowing.

She did not even have time to think and was almost working on autopilot.

This can be accompanied by depression, sadness, anxiety, chronic fatigue, and sleep disturbances.

Parenting is a mundane experience, however, many sociological changes in the past years have drastically changed the parenting system in terms of effort and become quite intensive.

It was found that the incidence of burnout varies from country to country depending on the cultural values and attributes across countries.

The World Health Organization recognized burnout syndrome in its International Classification of Diseases in the year 2019 as an occupational phenomenon that is connected to many health issues.

Extensive focussing on kids often becomes an obsession with parents allowing no time for other activities.

If this syndrome is not handled and addressed correctly it can result in serious mental and physical health issues.

If you are going through any of the mentioned symptoms take stock. Talk with your spouse, family, and friends. Do not harbour feelings of guilt or incapability.

Prevention is always a good approach. However, the following ideas facilitate both preventing and overcoming this issue.

• Have a routine

A routine offers a clear idea to kids especially the young kids to expect what is coming next. Toddlers do not like a frequent change in timetables.

If you make a point of following regular a meal, play and sleep time your toddler will be happy, preventing stress and burnout for yourself.

• Set boundaries.

This is difficult for parents of toddlers and very young kids. Try to create a support system to lean on when required.

For example, requesting a friend to look after your kid for an hour twice a month or hiring a helper to look after the kid for some time every week could be possible. Grandparents can help if they reside in the same city.

• Don't be there, always

Being constantly present for your kids is bad for both, parents, and kids. As a parent when you overfill your plate you are in trouble.

When kids become too dependent, they do not learn life skills like creative thinking, decision-making, entertaining themselves and patience. They refrain from trying out things to explore solutions.

Ensuring that they are in a safe place let them try things unaided. Engage them in age-relevant tasks and appreciate their accomplishments.

• Comprehend the Reality

Parenting is supposed to be just wonderful. This isn't true. Being a parent is a lovely experience, but it is also a demanding job for parents, especially mothers who society accepts to be the epitome of selflessness.

There is nothing like a being perfect parent. We grow and learn as a parent with the child.

• Plan Self-care

Parents do not prioritize self-care which often is an important cause of burnout. Making time for physical, mental, and emotional health is crucial.

A twenty-minute workout in the morning will do wonders. Regular meditation can relieve stress and tension.

Hobbies like reading, painting, journaling, or singing help to unwind and de-stress.

• Have normal expectations from yourself

• Do not compare with other parents

• Get out of the loop of perfect parenting

• Have regular rest breaks even for just a few minutes

• Do not nag or monitor kids all the time

• Don’t overprotect your kids and do everything

• Let kids explore in a safe environment

• Be kind and nurture yourself

Parental burnout doesn't only distress the parent but the whole family. Whenever you are feeling stressed or anxious do not ignore the symptoms.

Share and discuss with someone and if required visit a therapist. Afterall, parenting is a rewarding but a fleeting experience.

Time flies and kids grow up. Create happy memories to cherish in the future.

(Nupur Roopa is a freelance writer and a life coach for mothers. She writes articles on environment, food, history, parenting, and travel.)