Parent Burnout is Real: 10 Signs You’re Carrying Too Much and What You Can Change Today

Parenting is already a full-time role, emotionally, mentally, and physically. When you add therapy schedules, behavior plans, school meetings, and the constant pressure to support meaningful progress, the load becomes even heavier. Many parents of children receiving ABA services carry far more than they acknowledge, and parent burnout becomes not just possible, but likely.

At Ujala Life, we remind families that supporting your child shouldn’t come at the cost of your wellbeing. Burnout doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’ve been trying to meet every need, often without rest, support, or shared responsibility.

Below are 10 signs of parent burnout, why they happen especially in ABA-driven routines, and small changes you can make today to reclaim balance.

Constant Exhaustion That Rest Doesn’t Fix

Burnout fatigue is different from being “tired.” This exhaustion comes from being emotionally vigilant, anticipating behaviors, reinforcing routines, scheduling therapy, and keeping up with progress.

Why it happens in ABA settings:

Parents often feel pressure to be “on” at all times, especially when generalizing skills outside sessions.

Try today:

Choose one part of your child’s routine that the BCBA or RBT can help simplify or adjust. Generalization is important, but not at the cost of your health.

Feeling Overwhelmed by Everyday Tasks

When burnout sets in, even small tasks, packing a bag, answering emails, preparing meals, feel like a mountain.

ABA contributing factor:

Parents are often given multiple strategies, data sheets, or instructions to implement. Without support, it becomes too much.

Try today:

Ask you BCBA to prioritize no more than two parent-implemented goals at a time. This is clinically appropriate, and protective of your wellbeing.

Emotional Drain and Reduced Patience

You may notice yourself crying easily, feeling numb, or responding with irritation. 

ABA link:

Behavior challenges, communication frustration, and ongoing skill-building can drain emotional reserves.

Try today:

Identify your “early signs” of emotional overload. Share these with your therapist so they can support smoother session transitions.

Feeling Stretched Thin Between Home, Therapy, and Life

You’re coordinating schedules, ensuring consistency, and trying to advocate, all while maintaining home life and work.

ABA link:

High-intensity schedules, even when beneficial, demand rhythm and planning.

Try today:

Request a weekly check-in with your BCBA to streamline expectations, discuss barriers, and remove anything unnecessary.

Guilt, About Everything

Parents often feel guilty for not doing enough, not doing strategies “perfectly” or needing breaks.

ABA link:

ABA encourages consistency, but not perfection. Many parents misinterpret this and internalize pressure.

Try today:

Ask your BCBA for “good, better, best” implementation options. Even partial consistency can support learning.

Loss of Personal Identity

If you can’t remember the last time you did something just for yourself, you may be giving more than your body and mind can sustain. 

ABA link:

Therapy often becomes the center of the family schedule, leaving little time for parents outside caregiving.

Try today:

Schedule a 30-minute weekly non-negotiable personal activity. Share this with your care team, they can help adjust sessions times or routines.

Difficulty Making Decisions

Decision fatigue can hit hard: What goals should we focus on? Which behaviors should we target? Do we need more hours? Less hours?

ABA link:

The clinical jargon and volume of information can feel overwhelming.

Try today:

Ask your BCBA to present recommendations in simple terms with a “start here first” roadmap.

Feeling Disconnected or Emotionally Numb

This is often a protective response when you;ve been carrying too much for too long.

ABA link:

Behavior flare-ups, progress plateaus, or communication barriers can increase emotional stress. 

Try today:

Celebrate one win daily, no matter how small. Your BCBA or RBT can help you recognize these moments if you’re too drained to see them.

Worrying About Your Child’s Progress Constantly

Progress in ABA is not linear, but that doesn’t stop the worry.

ABA link:

Parents often feel like they must track everything or fear their child will “fall behind”.

Try today:

Request a simple monthly progress summary instead of following every daily data trend. This reduces pressure without sacrificing understanding.

Feeling Alone, Even With a Team Around You

Burnout often feels isolating, especially when you believe you must “handle everything”.

ABA link:

Some parents hesitate to share their exhaustion with therapists out of fear it reflect poorly on them.

Try today:

Let your BCBA know when something feels too hard. Their role includes supporting you, not just your child.

Final Thought: You Don’t Have to Do Everything to Be an Amazing Parent

Parent burnout is real, but it’s also preventable when families are supported with compassion, realistic expectations, and shared responsibility. At Ujala Life, we believe that supporting your child starts with supporting you. When parents feel seen, empowered, and understood, the entire family thrives.