News, Advice, and Tips for Parenting Teenagers

Most people associate "parental burnout" with parents of newborns. Theyre up all night. Their child cries all day (and all night), and there just isnt much rest to be had. But parents of teenagers can burn out, too.

"Parents of teens who are busting into independence, dating, driving and have hectic schedules need to be aware that these stressors will have an effect on how they are feeling," Denise Witmer wrote in a March 15 article on about.com. "Parents lose sleep and eventually burnout if they dont take some me-time."

Worried about burnout? Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I feel tired, even after a good night's sleep?
  
• Do I let behavioral issues slide because you simply "cant deal with" disciplining my child?
  
• Do I have trouble sleeping at night?
  
• Have I lost interest in family activities?

If you answered "yes" to any or all of these questions, it's time to take a break. Schedule some alone time, or indulge in a favorite activity. Do something that relaxes and/or energizes you.

Labels: pressures, stress, burnout

Posted By: Aspen/CRC