Burnout: The Unpaid Overtime of Special Needs Parenting with Cait Donovan

In this episode of Inchstones, host Sarah Kernion sits down with Cait Donovan, a leading expert on burnout prevention and recovery, to discuss the unique emotional toll of parenting a child with special needs. Cait offers profound insights on caregivers' hidden stressors, the importance of grace and self-compassion, and why recognizing burnout early is essential for parents and children. Throughout the conversation, Cait shares practical self-care strategies, including how acupuncture and emotional regulation techniques can help parents reduce stress and regain balance. She emphasizes that foundational self-care isn’t selfish—caregivers must show up as their best selves for their children. QUOTE OF THE SEASON: "PEE WHEN YOU NEED TO PEE." To find more on Cait's work, visit FRIED: The Burnout Podcast.