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A Working Mom of Four Develops a Vital Resource for Exhausted Parents
Recent research indicates that about 66% of working parents are feeling burnt out. Here’s how to assess your stress levels and discover evidence-based strategies to tackle this burnout.
By Emily Turner
Updated: Feb. 20, 2024
Originally Published: June 21, 2022
It’s no secret that many parents, particularly those juggling work and family life, are under immense stress and often face burnout. Just ask any working parent; a sigh or a nervous giggle often accompanies the question, “How are you?”
This reality is underscored by a new study revealing that 66% of parents with children under 18 experience burnout. What makes this study particularly compelling is that its creator, Dr. Lucy O’Brien, a nursing professional and mother of four kids under ten, has firsthand experience with this struggle. In collaboration with Dr. Sarah Collins, Dean of the College of Nursing at State University, she developed the Working Parent Burnout Scale, a tool designed to help weary parents evaluate their burnout levels and find the support they need for themselves and their families.
Dr. O’Brien shared her motivation for creating the scale, citing her own challenges during the pandemic. “While I wasn’t seeing patients at the clinic, I was working from home full-time alongside my husband, all while caring for our four little ones,” she told us. At that time, her children were aged 3 to 8, making her situation quite overwhelming.
Their findings, published in the Journal of Pediatric Healthcare, revealed that a significant number of respondents reported feeling burnt out, with mothers experiencing higher levels than fathers (68% vs. 42%). Among parents who have a history of anxiety, 77% reported burnout, and 73% of those with children diagnosed with anxiety or ADHD felt similarly. This data was collected during an unprecedented period, which Dr. O’Brien described as “one of the toughest phases” of her life. “I wanted to excel as a parent, perform well in my job, and be there for my spouse,” she expressed. This led to her working late into the night after caring for her children all day—a cycle that perpetuated her exhaustion.
The report includes a self-assessment for parents to identify their burnout levels. Respondents answer questions about their parenting experiences, such as “I find joy in parenting my children” and “I feel like I am in survival mode as a parent.” Scores range from 0 to over 31, indicating levels from mild to severe burnout. Depending on the results, parents are directed to additional resources for managing their burnout.
So, what can you do if burnout feels endless? According to the report, prioritizing self-care—especially sleep and gratitude practices—are effective strategies. “Keeping perspective on what truly matters in your life and practicing gratitude is essential for maintaining well-being,” Dr. O’Brien advised, mentioning her use of a mindfulness app with her kids.
The full report, which can be read here, also encourages parents to connect with trusted friends about their feelings and to feel empowered to say “no” to additional commitments without guilt. For those feeling severely depressed or hopeless, reaching out to a primary care physician is vital. The report also outlines further resources to assist parents in distress.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that someone from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 to talk.
This article was originally published on June 21, 2022.
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In summary, Dr. O’Brien’s study sheds light on the pressing issue of burnout among parents, providing valuable tools and resources to help them assess and manage their stress. With evidence-based advice, she aims to support parents in recognizing their challenges and taking steps towards better mental health.