A Parent’s Self-Care is a Child’s Well-Being: The Burnout Connection

The conventional wisdom is that good parenting requires sacrifice. However, a clinical psychologist argues that when it comes to preventing burnout, sacrificing one’s own well-being is counterproductive. In fact, a parent’s self-care is a critical component of their child’s mental health.
Meghna Kanwat, a clinical psychologist, draws a direct line between parental stress and child burnout. “Parenting stress and parental burnout themselves have been shown to contribute to children’s academic and learning burnout,” she explains. A stressed, exhausted parent simply doesn’t have the emotional bandwidth to be the calm, responsive caregiver a child needs.
When parents are running on empty, they are more likely to be impatient, resort to harsh discipline, or be emotionally unavailable. This creates a stressful home environment that amplifies, rather than soothes, the academic pressures a child faces. The child, in turn, may internalize this stress, leading to their own burnout.
Therefore, parental self-care is not a selfish indulgence; it is a fundamental parenting strategy. Taking time to manage stress, whether through hobbies, exercise, or seeking support, refills a parent’s cup. This enables them to approach their children with the gentleness, patience, and empathy that is so crucial for building resilience.
Ultimately, children learn how to handle stress by watching their parents. A parent who models healthy coping mechanisms and prioritizes their own well-being is giving their child an invaluable lesson. In the fight against burnout, taking care of yourself is one of the best things you can do for your child.