This Working Mom Wants To Reduce Burnout For Parents

By: Mary Beth Ferrante

A version of this article originally appeared on Forbes.com.

We’ve all been operating in a state of exhaustion for what feels like years, but for me, some of the toughest challenges came when my child started school—during the pandemic.

While I deeply appreciate the hard work of educators, navigating hybrid schedules, shifting childcare needs, and unpredictable work demands has been overwhelming. When my child started kindergarten online, I found myself scrambling daily—juggling work meetings with technical issues, adjusting to ever-changing schedules, and trying to be present for my family. I was burning out fast.

Yet, I knew I was still in a privileged position. My partner and I both worked from home, which was more than many parents had. I thought about those who didn’t have the same flexibility, those who had to make impossible choices between earning a paycheck and being there for their children. Parent burnout wasn’t just about exhaustion; it was about a system that was failing families at every turn.

What is Parent Burnout?

Parent burnout is the chronic stress and exhaustion that comes from balancing the relentless demands of caregiving, work, and personal responsibilities—often with little to no support. According to a 2024 study from the American Psychological Association, parental burnout has reached an all-time high, with nearly 70% of working parents reporting symptoms of extreme fatigue, anxiety, and emotional detachment.

Unlike typical stress, burnout doesn’t just go away with a good night’s sleep or a weekend off. It’s a cycle of depletion that, if left unaddressed, can lead to serious mental and physical health consequences.

Why Parent Burnout is Worse Than Ever in 2025

While companies have made strides in supporting employees, the caregiving crisis is still far from over. Factors contributing to parent burnout today include:

• The rising cost of childcare – Access to affordable childcare remains a significant challenge, forcing many parents to patch together care solutions or reduce their working hours.
• Hybrid work challenges – While remote work offers flexibility, it also blurs boundaries between work and home, making it difficult for parents to truly unplug.
• Mental load overload – Parents are expected to manage not just their jobs but also school logistics, extracurricular activities, household responsibilities, and emotional support for their families.
• Lack of workplace policies – Many organizations still do not offer paid family leave, backup care assistance, or mental health resources tailored to parents.

How Parents Can Combat Burnout

While systemic change is necessary, there are steps parents can take to alleviate burnout:

1. Set Clear Boundaries Between Work and Home

• Designate a specific workspace and working hours.
• Communicate expectations with your employer and family.
• Use out-of-office messages to signal when you are unavailable.

2. Seek Employer Support

• Advocate for flexible work arrangements or reduced-hour options.
• Utilize any family benefits offered, such as backup childcare or mental health resources.
• Join or start a parenting employee resource group (ERG) for community support.

3. Prioritize Self-Care Without Guilt

• Schedule short breaks throughout the day.
• Engage in activities that recharge you, whether it’s exercise, reading, or simply resting.
• Seek professional support if burnout is affecting your well-being.

4. Delegate and Share Responsibilities

• Divide household tasks with your partner or older children.
• Use grocery delivery, meal planning, and outsourcing where possible.
• Let go of perfection—good enough is often good enough.

5. Build a Support System

• Connect with other parents for shared caregiving and emotional support.
• Don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends, family, or hired professionals.
• Push for policy changes at your workplace and in your community.

Moving Forward: A Call to Action for Employers and Society

Parent burnout isn’t just a personal problem; it’s a societal issue that requires institutional change. Employers need to step up by offering:

• Expanded paid leave policies
• Affordable childcare solutions
• Manager training on supporting caregiving employees
• A culture that normalizes work-life balance

If companies want to retain top talent, they must prioritize the well-being of working parents. And for parents, it’s time to advocate for the support we need—because burnout shouldn’t be the price we pay for raising the next generation.

Final Thoughts

I know firsthand how overwhelming it feels to juggle it all. But by recognizing the signs of burnout, setting boundaries, and demanding better support systems, we can create a future where parenthood and career don’t have to be at odds. Let’s build a world where parents can thrive—at work, at home, and in life.