You’re Not Failing—You’re Fried: Understanding Parental Burnout

You love your kids… and you’re still exhausted. In this episode of Raising Me, Adrienne Stein talks with psychiatrist Dr. Jeffrey Barkin about parental burnout—what it is, how it shows up (irritability, numbness, resentment, brain fog), and why it’s so common right now. Dr. Barkin shares practical ways to reset your nervous system, ask for support, and reduce the mental load—so you can feel more like you again. Parental burnout is more than being tired — it’s chronic stress and overload that can impact mood, sleep, relationships, and the ability to feel present at home. Dr. Barkin explains that burnout can show up in different ways, including irritability, brain fog, resentment, or feeling constantly “on edge.” He also discusses how ongoing stress affects the nervous system and why parents may feel guilt or shame even when they’re doing their best. The episode includes practical steps parents can try right away — from quick in-the-moment resets to longer-term strategies for reducing the mental load, setting boundaries, and building a support plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices