But when they do, they love to share their little ones’ antics with the world. And where better to do that than on X? If you’re a regular at Bored Panda, you know that each month we celebrate the funniest and most relatable parenting tweets out there. This time, though, we’ve gone all in, creating the ultimate “best of all time” edition from the ones we’ve featured before. Enjoy! “As with burnout, parental burnout is defined as physical, emotional and mental exhaustion due to the ongoing demands of caring for one’s children,” says Dr. Jennifer Yen, a psychiatrist at UTHealth Houston. “It’s a state where you have been giving, and giving, and giving and giving—until you’re totally empty,” describes Kate Kripke, a clinical social worker and the founder of the Postpartum Wellness Center in Boulder, Colo. “If you run out of oxygen, you’re of no use to your fellow passengers,” he says. “Same holds true for parenting. If you don’t take care of yourself, you’ll be a less effective parent and more prone to burnout and lashing out.” “Although it was a short trip, it gave me a glimpse of that laid-back, goofy self that got lost in the pandemic and parenting vortex,” she says. “I came back with a renewed interest in keeping that part of me alive. It was also a great opportunity for my son to bond with his father and do things their way.” “My husband is now planning a trip of his own to visit his friends and family,” she adds. “After all, there is still hope for us to someday engage in a long and stimulating conversation that does not involve taking out the trash or doing laundry.” “A mental health break is different for everyone,” says Lustig. “One person might need to physically leave the house and go for a walk outdoors. Another person may just need to go into a different room and meditate or listen to relaxing music.” “There should be less of a focus on what, when and how long the activity is, and more focus on how you feel during or after the activity,” he continues. “Do you feel refreshed and rejuvenated? Happier and recharged? If yes, consider it a mental health break. If not, try something different next time. Everyone’s needs are different, so understanding what best helps you individually is key.” Temple also suggests parents should aim for “going on dates with your partner, without the kids at least twice a month.” If needed, he recommends “utilizing extended support networks or swapping babysitting duties with other parents.” “Five-minute meditations can help reset one’s day and act as a mental health break. A few minutes outside in the sunlight, drinking a cup of coffee or writing in a journal can work too. Setting a timer and concentrating on your breathing for a minute or two can help kick start creativity and focus.” “Tell your children why a mental health break is important to you,” encourages Lustig. “If your children, especially adolescents or teenagers, see you taking time for yourself and understand the importance of mental health, they are likely to model this behavior as they grow older.” Parental burnout is no joke, so be sure to take care of yourself—you deserve it. Follow Bored Panda on Google News! Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda! Please use high-res photos without watermarks Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.