Now that the children have learned the basics of assertive self-expression, it is important to reflect on what may also affect our children. Due to the "the holiday rush", it appears that stress is a strong influence on our children and parents' well being. At this time of the year, you may see "Burnout" in yourself and it may have a significant impact on your children. Burnout is the depletion of our physical and mental resources. It occurs when we have more energy going out than we do coming in.
Children may have the ability to practice assertive self-expression but they may struggle with coping with stress in their environment and we need to be healthy enough to provide the right support.

Major symptoms of burnout are the following:

Exhaustion/Detachment - This is especially true for caretakers where schedules, nursing
colds, helping with homework, balancing a home etc., can be exhausting.

Boredom - The person may begin to question the value of activities and
friendships, and he/she may even become bored with life despite a hectic schedule.

Impatience - The person may become increasingly impatient with others who "can't keep up", and he/she becomes irritable with other people.

Sense of omnipotence - He/she has the feeling that no one else can do tasks on the "to do list". He/she may believe all details be attended to all by him/herself.

Feelings of unappreciated - Burnout victims feel that others do not appreciate all their hard work and effort.

Psycho-physiological Problems - Our bodies will tell use that we are under too much stress if we do not listen to our minds. i.e.: Headaches, ulcers, asthma, or heart problems.

Major signals of stress in adults and children are:
Lack of appetite, lack of concentration, loss of sleep, dropping grades, and physical ailments.
 
Some approaches to treat or prevent burnout are the following:

• Set realistic goals and know your limits.Escape (if possible) occasionally. Children are not going to have quality time if you are not emotionally healthy.
• Take breaks from hectic schedules (if at all possible)
• Utilize your social support network (friends & family & social clubs) for help and to just chat regularly.
• Chat with others with similar responsibilities. For children it is talking to friends and parents.
• Participate in support groups (groups for others having difficulty coping with a
• particular stress; i.e. child with special needs, etc)
• Use relaxation techniques i.e.: deep breathing, relaxing music, meditation, nice bubble baths, etc.
• Maintain a balanced diet and exercise program.
• Enjoy life and playing with your children.
• Have fun and spend quality time with family and/or significant other.
• Have a sense of humor.
• Utilize your school counselor or other community counselors.
• Keep a diary or write down thoughts.
• Seek other hobbies and social outlets.

Thank you for working with me to enhance your child's emotional growth. Please feel free to contact me any time at 336-1637 (Brookview) or 336-1647 (Listwood.)

Webpages created by Bob Schultz
updated 1/11/2003 by Mrs. Guetti and B. Schultz