Parental Burnout: The Silent Struggle Too Many Mums Face
Motherhood changes everything. Your body, your energy, your identity - and often your financial security. The juggle is relentless, and too many of us hit parental burnout before we even realise what’s happening.Burnout is the motherhood penalty in disguise. It shows up as exhaustion, guilt, financial strain, and that sinking feeling that no matter how much you do, it’s never enough. But remember: you’re not failing. The system isn’t built for mums. That’s why we need a village - and why Mums Who Build exists.What is Parental Burnout?
Parental burnout isn’t just being tired. It’s a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by the constant demands of parenting and the mental load mums carry.Some of the most common signs include:Snapping at the kids (or partner) over little things.Constant tiredness that sleep doesn’t fix.Feeling guilty because you love your children but feel drained by them.Struggling to find joy in the things you used to love.Feeling like you’re doing it all, but never doing it “well enough.”
Unchecked, it can push mums towards unhealthy coping mechanisms - from endless scrolling to alcohol, even addiction. That’s why it matters that we start the conversation now.
A Powerful Panel at the Big MOB Mum Meetup
Every Friday, the Big MOB Mum Meetup at CRATE Walthamstow brings mums together not just for coffee chat, but for connection, learning, and action.This week, we tackled parental burnout head-on with an incredible panel of MOB members: Sima Rahman-Huang, founder of Artists’ Apothecary; Gemma Dean, Parental Wellbeing Coach (Co-founders of The MIndful Parent Hub); and psychotherapist Bea Vance.Bea’s story especially resonated. After a career in biosciences, she retrained as a psychotherapist following her own struggles with weight gain and depression during the pandemic. As a new mum herself, she now works with parents navigating pregnancy and parenthood, with a special interest in burnout - something she sees often in mums and women in business. Her approach blends education with practical tools for preventing and recovering from burnout.With kids back at school, now is the time to prioritise you, mum and so This week’s theme — Parental Burnout — couldn’t have been more timely. Whether you’ve just survived a full-on summer holiday of childcare and work, or you’ve got little ones not yet at school, parenting can feel like an endless marathon.Together, we explored:What parental burnout really is (and how it’s different from everyday stress).Common triggers — and how to spot them early.Practical strategies to protect your mental and physical health.How movement, creativity, and community can help you recover and feel like yourself again.
And of course, mums left with free wellness gifts — skincare goodies and treats to remind us all that we deserve a little care, too.The turnout was incredible, and the openness in the room was a powerful reminder that we can’t do this alone. We need a village. And if we can’t find one, we have to create one.The Mindful Parent Hub
The conversation also shone a light on Gemma and Sima's new project: the Mindful Parent Hub which offers weekly in-person workshops in East London, that blend reflective coaching with expressive art therapy - a nurturing and creative space where parents can pause, reflect, and reconnect. Each session explores a different theme related to parenting and emotional wellbeing, from managing stress to reclaiming identity.It’s a safe, practical, and inspiring way for parents to reset.What’s Next?
Next Friday, at The Big MOB Mum Meetup we're talking all about Hormone Health and Hair Loss Awareness, in partnership with Philip Kingsley and The House of Hormones, Hear from guest speakers Anabel Kingsley, leading Trichologist at Philip Kingsley and hair loss awareness advocate; and Dr Ravina, award-winning doctor, fertility and women’s health specialist. Together, we’ll explore women’s health, hormones, and wellbeing - another conversation every busy, ambitious mum needs in her toolkit.About Mums Who Build
Mums Who Build is not just another mum group.
We’re a grassroots movement built by and for ambitious mums navigating the realities of the motherhood penalty - whether you’re on mat leave, newly redundant, freelancing, or growing a business.Through weekly in-person meetups, online membership (MOB+), courses, and peer-led pods, we give mums the community, tools, and financial confidence to thrive. Our mission is to close the wealth gap caused by motherhood by equipping mums with the skills, connections, and mindset to build businesses, grow careers, and achieve long-term financial security.Because no mum should have to choose between being present at home and building a future she’s proud of. At The MOB, you don’t just find support — you find a plan, a network, and the tools to thrive.Find out our WHy here
