Mommy Burnout - How to Prevent Mom Burnout

As a mother, you have a huge responsibility to care for your child. You must provide a loving atmosphere and nurturing environment, in which your child can learn and grow. This heavy responsibility can become overwhelming sometimes, and make you feel like you will break under the pressure.

If you feel like you are at the verge of this breaking point, like you have been stretched and pulled beyond your limit and can't go another step, you probably need to take some time to regroup before you burn yourself out.

Give yourself a break.

The most important thing you can do at a time such as this is to allow yourself some breathing room. Just because you are a mother, that doesn't mean you can or should try to do everything all own your own. Get a babysitter and go out for a couple of hours. Do something to give yourself a nice little break away from your child. You'll be better for it, and in the long run, so will they.

Don't try to be perfect.

Contrary to what many moms believe, there is no such thing as a perfect mother. The best moms are those that recognize their own flaws and work towards improving upon them. Don't allow yourself to be sucked into the mentality that you have to become everything to everybody. Do what you can, and say no to the rest. You cannot be something you aren't...and there is no such thing as a perfect, flawless mom.

Accept help when it is offered to you.

In addition to stopping the damaging belief that you can be "perfect" you also have to come to realize that when someone offers to help out with your child, you should take them up on it. It's difficult to find someone you feel safe in entrusting your child's care, but if you have such a person and they offer to help you, don't refuse. If you really need the help, take them up on their offer. Trustworthy help is a huge advantage that many moms out there don't have the luxury of being afforded. Accept with a smile and enjoy it.

Keep yourself socialized.

Lots of moms worry about their child's socialization skills, but how often do you hear mothers discussing their own lack of socialization? In reality, stay-at-home moms have the most challenging job on their hand because they are suddenly cut off from their world of adult friends and associates. Resist spending all your time at home alone with your child. Schedule play dates with other moms, lunch dates with your friends, and dinner dates with a family member or your spouse. Be creative in finding ways to enhance your own socialization skills.