Somewhere along the way, we started wearing burnout like it’s a badge of honor.

Letting someone know that we’re busy somehow feels validating.

A survey found that 60% of parents feel overwhelmed by the mental load of parenting.

Busy has become our baseline. And without it, we feel unproductive, maybe even unimportant.

(Just imagine saying yes to something that doesn’t have a goal and see how the thought makes you feel.)

Overwhelm isn’t a sign that you’re important. It’s a sign that something needs to change.

A burned-out parent is not an effective parent.

You can’t pour out if you’re empty. And you can’t fake being present for long.

Rest isn’t indulgent. Rest is essential.

One study found that regular leisure activities—quiet time, time in nature, hobbies, even just unwinding—are linked to lower stress, lower blood pressure, better health, and better mood.

It’s not about having a hobby or taking a vacation. It’s about fostering a lifestyle that includes rhythms of rest.

But most of us ignore the invitation. We call it lazy or selfish or just plain impossible.

But what if your health and peace was part of the job?

What if letting go is what helps you show up better?

Your kids don’t need a superhero. They just need a present parent.