Parent/Caregiver Burnout Awareness Campaign: Nurturing Relationships and Finding Balance
As a result of toxic work culture, the pressures of parenting and caregiving can often lead to burnout, especially for families with neurodiverse members facing complex challenges. The Colorado Developmental Disability Council (CDDC) supports the Parent/Caregiver Burnout Awareness Campaign, which seeks to address these challenges and offer assistance to families in need.
Zephrine, wearing a gray baseball hat, looks into the camera standing in front of one of her favorite trees on the High line Canal.
Go outside, and take 3 deep breaths. #HighLineHealing #HealingOnTheHighLine
Over the past two years, my family has been on a healing journey from burnout, preparing our three neurodiverse teens for adulthood. Navigating limited and complex access to disability services and resources, we felt overwhelmed and exhausted. This campaign is personal to me as I have the pleasure and opportunity to highlight the resources and solutions that supported us in overcoming our struggles.
As a parent/caregiver, it's essential to avoid resembling "The Giving Tree," a tale depicting a one-sided and toxic relationship between a giving tree and a boy who constantly takes until the tree has nothing left to give. This narrative reflects the challenges of modern parenting and employment, particularly motherhood, where women often find themselves sacrificing their own well-being for their families and/or organizations. This cycle contributes to the widespread burnout experienced by myself and many women I know today due to unattainable societal expectations.
This cautionary tale emphasizes the significance of self-care and the need for a supportive community that values human beings and reciprocates caregiver efforts. By recognizing these parallels and addressing the root causes of burnout at its intersections, society can create an environment that appreciates and supports rather than deplete.
Through vulnerable and authentic storytelling, the primary objective of this awareness campaign is to empower self-advocates, parents, and guardians of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) with the tools and knowledge to foster meaningful relationships and social connections outside conventional systems. By advocating for family and personalized support plans and encouraging active community involvement, we aim to establish a network of natural support to help families flourish.
I Love this tree! I tell it all my hopes and dreams. She reminds me to practice radical self care.
Do NOT be the giving tree! It’s ok to let your leaves and branches flourish for you and nobody else. #HighLineHealing #HealingOnTheHighLine
I am thrilled to share content and resources on this important topic with you. By increasing awareness and promoting understanding, we can collaborate to avoid burnout and establish a supportive and nurturing atmosphere for all families. I look forward to navigating this journey with you.
Thistle's remarkable ability to adapt to a wide range of environments and thrive in diverse conditions serves as a true testament to its unwavering resilience. Likewise, parents are continually faced with maneuvering through a constantly evolving terrain of duties and challenges. #HighLineHealing #HealingOnTheHighLine
Thank you for following me, Hampden Farm and the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council (CDDC) on LinkedIn. For the latest updates from CDDC, you can explore their blog. We look forward to thoughtful dialogue and insights.
Be well,
Zephrine