Preventing Caregiver blowout

[lilsnoopy]

Hello all. So I just wanted to address something that doesn't get mentioned a whole lot but is super important to keeping both sides of the cg/l dynamic happy. It can happen to the most patient and loving of caregivers. My daddy, with all of his greatness, can get a little exhausted sometimes from my brattiness or constant middle of the night calls when I wake up and need him to get me back to sleep. He also works basically fulltime and is a full time college student. He has a lot on his plate already, and then there is me, and I'm like an arm full. It can take a toll on him. But this can literally happen to anyone. Caregivers sometimes need time to rest and relax. Their needs (physical/emotional/mental) are important too and they aren't machines. 

 

A list of suggestions to help caregivers not get blownout:

-let them sleep in a little/surprise breakfast

-encourage them to do activities they like (By themselves or with you)

-cuddles

-holding back the sass a little on their bad days. 

-surprise nice things like pictures or long messages, things that remind them they are awesome and appreciated

 

Main takeaway: Caregivers aren't indestructible and are human too (well besides traces of superman/woman). They need to be reminded they are cared about and loved and all of their efforts are so so worth it. 

[Guest]

I agree with this so much! I feel like sometimes when I see littles posting and complaining about their daddies its like geez they are only human give them a break every now and again. 

[TheRatQueen]

Truth. Relationships can't be one sided to be healthy. Back/shoulder rubs are a fan favorite in our house. And really small stuff like getting their work boots/shoes/coat/purse for them, taking care of their plate after dinner, etc can make a huge difference.

[Guest Gentleman_Hoff]

The little things matter a lot and I see some really sweet suggestions.

 

Come to understand what the caregiver's main outlets are and give some breathing room for those to happen.  Ideally this should involve some sort of regular exercise/physical fitness activity, which you also could enjoy together.