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What Are Potential Causes of Burnout In Children?

Burnout is when an individual becomes physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted as a result of too much stress. We’re used to hearing the term for adults, but burnout can affect children in exactly the same way too.

In adults, burnout is usually a result of working too hard or being pulled in too many directions. We find ourselves overwhelmed by the constant demands of life, whether that is parenting, caring, or work. This leaves people feeling completely drained and negative. Those hit with burnout have no energy and are left vulnerable to catching viruses and other illnesses. Left undiagnosed or untreated, burnout can also lead to depression and other mental health problems.

For children and young people, the negative effects of burnout are similar and equally worrying. Burnout in children comes from stress, just the same as in adults. The reasons behind the stress might differ, but it’s the same cause and effect. Young people with burnout lose motivation and enthusiasm, and they are likely to shut down and avoid socializing. They might suffer increased anxiety and have trouble concentrating or become uncharacteristically irritable.

It’s important to know potential trigger points for burnout in children and to learn how to spot the signs, especially for those who interact with this age group regularly. Here are three of the most common causes of burnout among younger generations.

Exam Stress

One of the most common causes of stress for children is exams. The build-up and expectation around exams and the pressure to perform well can easily lead to problems.

The pressure at this time is often fueled by parents and schools, who want the best outcome for kids. Teenagers faced with exams can feel like the results will determine their whole future. They may be worried that they won’t get the grades expected of them or worry that they are running out of time to revise.

The cumulative effect of all that worry can lead to burnout at exactly the moment when young people need to feel supported. It’s important to listen to your child’s concerns and help as much as you can. This is not a time for criticism.

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Change In Their World

Children and young people like stability and routine. Any major change to their world can be stressful and increase the chances of burnout.

For example, moving schools is a difficult time for any child. Old friends may be left behind, and they’ll quickly have to adjust to new, unfamiliar surroundings. Your child may also have to cope with moving from a small school to a much bigger and scarier place. Take the time to speak to your child about the move and listen to any concerns they may have. It’s inevitable that the first few days and weeks at a new school will be challenging.

Moving house is another stressful time for kids (and their parents too). They will be sad to leave behind their familiar bedrooms and environment. Just like moving schools, be sensitive to their worries. Make sure they become familiar with their new house and involve them in planning how their new room will look.

Young people and teenagers also find world events worrying because they are outside their control. If there is a major conflict on the news or they hear about a crime or act of terrorism, it can be very distressing. Talk about any major news events with your child to give them perspective and clarity about what is going on.

Family Stress

Major changes at home are stressful for children and can contribute to burnout. Many children experience their parents going through separation or grief, and this can transmit across the whole family. Children within families who are going through any sort of crisis are prone to anxiety, distress, and anger.

For children whose parents are getting divorced, the constant movement between two households can be exhausting and confusing. Children can pick up mixed messages and wrongly believe that they are to blame for the breakup. They might feel they have contributed to the divorce and that their parents will stop loving them.

One of the most challenging situations for a child is feeling caught in the middle of two parents who are arguing. As with all of these difficult situations, communication is key. Talk to children in an age-appropriate way about the circumstance, whether that is a death or divorce.

Ways You Can Help A Child Who is Experiencing Burnout

If you think a child in your life is going through burnout and showing symptoms, it is never too late to act. A few changes can help to make significant improvements.

The first thing to do is to talk to your child. Find a quiet time to ask them some questions and listen patiently to the answers. A good time to do this is on a walk. Look at their schedule and free up time to relax and unwind. It’s easy to fall into the trap of having clubs and activities most nights of the week, but breaks are important too.

Take the pressure off by reassuring them there is no expectation when it comes to sports or exams. Activities should primarily be fun and enjoyable – do your best to be encouraging and positive.

Some other ways you can offer your Support to manage or even prevent burnout include:

Help structure their learning. Perhaps you can give assistance with their revision planning to put some structures in place. Help your child to manage their time, set boundaries and limits, and get plenty of rest and downtime.
Ensure they have the time and space to prepare and revise properly. But also offer reassurance that failing one set of exams is not life-defining. There will be chances to re-sit any exam. The objective is to do the best they can.
Positive communication. After they’ve sat an exam, take time to discuss what went well. Then encourage them to focus on the next exam. There is no point in fixating on how well others did or what the results might be.

Even after some of these changes, if you are really worried about your child and feel that burnout is taking too much of a toll, be sure to seek professional help and Support.

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