Children are a bundle of energy and it seems unlikely that feel burnout at a young age. However, let’s not forget that today’s children are overworked and overscheduled – schools, homework, tuition, extra-curricular activities, etc. Moreover, they also live in times when they have to be continuously alert against bullying, cybercrimes, peer pressure, drugs, etc.
It is natural for your children to feel physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted. So, if you thought that children don’t have burnout, you need to change your mind. As children grow older and academic pressure begins to surmount, burnout becomes more common.
Here are helpful tips to prevent burnout in your kids and keep them happy, stress-free:
Do not Pack Their Timetable
Make sure that you do not cram your children’s schedules. Spread their after-school activities throughout the week. Let them have downtime with hobbies or fun and recreational activities. They should get at least 30-60 minutes of non-screen playtime every day.
Notice the Signs
If you see your children moodless, grumpy, angry, unenthusiastic, anxious or depressed for more than a few days, these could be signs of burnout. Talk to them about their feelings and find out what could make them feel better. If they feel overburdened with their routine, try to reschedule it. If possible, you can withdraw them from after-school activities for a few weeks.
Take Care of Nutrition
Sometimes burnout can also be due to nutritional deficiency or dehydration in your children. Limit their intake of junk and processed foods to a few times a month. They should eat healthy and balanced meals and drink 8-10 glasses of plain water every day. Check with the doctor if your children need nutritional supplements.
Don’t Over Push
Children have their limits in terms of physical and mental strength. It is okay to encourage them to stretch themselves a bit beyond their limit. But, when you start over-pushing, children can fall prey to burnout. Understand your children’s strengths and weaknesses before you force them into doing something.
Parents play a crucial role in preventing burnout in children and guide them to strike the right balance in their routines. Let your children enjoy their childhood as they deserve.
