Parenting often comes with feelings of exhaustion and overwhelm.
Without realizing it, we are taking care of everyone else, while neglecting our own needs.
You can’t give if you’re depleted. When exhaustion sets in, caring for the ones we love becomes harder.
We see you, Mom and Dad. But above all, God sees you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, we have some tips to help.
This is article 12 in our 13-part series, Intentional Parenting: Your Emotional Presence. Want to start the series from the beginning? Click here to read the first article now.
How to Prioritize Rest as a Busy Parent
For parents who are emotionally present, it’s crucial to care for their mind, body, and soul. Sometimes, being present emotionally takes a lot out of you. Rest is not a luxury for busy parents. God rested after making the universe and wants you to experience that rest. Managing yourself in this way allows you to love your family completely and without reservations.
Even when life feel relentlessly full, slowing down is an act of faith and trust that God is still at work while you pause. Prioritizing rest is less about finding extra hours and more about weaving moments of renewal into the day you already have.
Here’s how to find God’s rest and prevent burnout:
- Recognize that resting is not a failure. It doesn’t mean you’re weak or lazy, but human. Recognizing that God wants to give you rest.
- Pause daily with Jesus. Celebrate and rejoice over God’s faithfulness in your life and your family. Ask Him for guidance, renewal, and how to find some me-time.
- Schedule your daily rest breaks. Whether it is sitting to have your morning coffee or meeting with a friend for lunch, create firm boundaries around your rest time and treat it like an appointment.
- Ask for help when you need it. Don’t be shy about using every resource available to you, like friends from church. Most people have a heart to support others like you do.
Remember, you are not called to be a perfect parent — you are called to be an emotionally present one.
Your steadiness doesn’t come from trying harder but from staying connected to Jesus, the true source of peace and consistency. As you draw from His strength, His gentleness, and His unchanging presence, you gain what you need to show up with emotional safety for your child, day after day.
KEY TAKEAWAY
A big part of caring for your child is caring for yourself! Finding time to prioritize self-care and practically caring for your own heart allows you to keep showing up with patience, tenderness, and strength for your child.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
- How can I practically care for myself during difficult times and seasons of waiting for my child to heal?
- How does my lack of meeting my own needs impact my ability to care for my child?
ACTIVITY
God’s presence is a light in the darkness, especially during trying times. Demonstrate this to your child by playing Light in the Darkness with them. Find this game and more in the Everyday Moments™ collection.
KEY VERSE
Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’” ~Matthew 11:28 (NLT)
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I need to take a pause. I’m feeling stretched thin, worn down, or overwhelmed. I want to stay connected to You and not parent in my own strength. Strengthen me with Your presence. Restore my soul. In Your precious name, amen.