PREVENTING BURNOUT
WHAT IS BURNOUT?
Burnout can be defined as: physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress. I’m sure many childcare providers can relate. Childcare providers may experience burnout because:
• You wear many hats, your duties as a family childcare provider has to be balanced with your duties to your family.
• You work long hours. Many family childcare programs begin early in the morning to accommodate parents work hours. Even after your childcare ends, your work does not. You cannot sit down and relax because you now have to care for your family, often not ending until late at night.
• You may feel out of control, as your work often revolves around the needs of the parents, and the needs of your family.
• You certainly are not paid enough for all you do
• There may be personal issues going on in your life such as: sickness in the family, problems with your own child, issues with your mate, financial issues, and many others.
Because you have so many responsibilities and work long hours, it leaves very little time to take care of yourself.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF BURNOUT?
• Feeling anxious or depressed
• Not sleeping well
• Feeling unmotivated
• Short tempered
• Feeling resentful of others
• Loose interest in your program
• Getting sick often or just not feeling well
• Eating too much or not enough during the day
You may not be experiencing all of the symptoms listed above. You may only experience one or two. It is important to identify any of the symptoms, so you know how to address them.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE BECOMING BURNT OUT?
If you are feeling burned out, know that this feeling is felt by many childcare providers. It can be turned around. Identifying your feelings of burnout is the first step. Here are other suggestions you can take:
1. Make your expectations clear. Set clear boundaries with the parents. Many times, a parent will ask you to do something they should be doing themselves. When you expect something from the parents make it clear and don’t cross the boundaries of your job to accommodate the parent.
For example: You expect the parent to supply the diapers. The parent says she doesn’t have time but asks if you will pick them up for her and she will reimburse you. Parents need to learn responsibility and you are not doing them a favor by taking on their responsibilities.
2. Take time for yourself. As difficult as that may be, you are not doing anyone a favor by not recharging. A warm bath at night, a short walk after dinner all are way to relax and recharge.
3. Greet each day with a new perspective. If you start your day feeling down or frustrated because it is going to be a long day, change your attitude and programs plan.
For example: Smile when you greet the children. Think of something special about each one. Play a favorite game, or just have an unscheduled party where you dance and have fun. Play is important to you as it is for the children.
4. Think positive thoughts. Think about what you did right that day. Did a child meet a milestone? Did you comfort a child in distress? What happened today that put a smile on your face? Avoid thinking about feeling of being unappreciated. Instead concentrate on the good things you are doing for the children.
5. Discuss how your family could help. Talk with your family and let them know how you are feeling. Are there chores your mate or children could be doing to take some of the burden off of you. You may even want to pay or schedule a family pizza night for your children if they will clean and put away all your childcare supplies and toys at the end of the day, freeing you up to prepare dinner or do other chores.
Take care of yourself and remember you are doing the most important job, nurturing children and contributing to their healthy development.