Parents work to combat burnout as school begins

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s safe to say summer vacation is over, which means the days off will soon turn into jam-packed schedules for students and parents.

Now families are struggling to find a balance between learning and self-care.

It’s been a long day at work, the kids need to be dropped off at practice, and you still have dinner to make.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Returning to school is stressful not only for children trying to keep up with their studies, but also for their parents.

3D Printer at Augusta Richmond County Public Library

“I eat, but I don’t know when it’s here, there, and I don’t know when I’m sleeping,” said Tamera Allmond, a parent from Aiken County.

And it may seem like your brain is on standby mode all the time.

“Sometimes I feel like a staff sergeant. Like, ‘Okay, we have to do this. We have to do this,'” Allmond said.

Allmond says year-round school has not benefited her family.

“More time spent in school doesn’t seem to lead to more learning. You never feel like your break is a break,” she said.

Let’s take a look at some school gadgets

Students will be returning to school in the next few weeks. While they will have most of their school supplies with them, if they are using laptops, they will need a few gadgets you may not have thought about.

Claire Gardner is a counselor who works primarily with high school-age children and says these kids are already stressed.

“I think about all the things they have to do without expecting an immediate reward. I think it’s very difficult to see the end goal,” Gardner said.

Gardner says parents who recognize their own burnout can help their children.

“I also encourage parents to take time for themselves, like lean on support if you have it, and if you don’t, try to find community,” Gardner said.

She also says that if your child has a busy schedule, focus on the things they enjoy.

“Exercise is important, but there’s nothing wrong with recognizing when your child is burned out and saying, ‘We can skip this today and we’ll do the same thing tomorrow,’” Gardner said.