Parental Burnout and Child Well-Being: What New Research Tells Us

Parenting is one of the most rewarding journeys in life — but it’s also one of the most demanding. When the pressures of parenting become overwhelming, parental burnout can set in, affecting not only the parent but the entire family dynamic.

A new study published in the Journal of Family Psychology (Grandjean, Spagnulo, Vowels, & Darwiche, 2025) sheds light on how parental burnout impacts children’s daily well-being, offering important insights for families, educators, and mental health professionals.

Inside the Study

The research team followed 85 couples (mothers and fathers) over an 8-day period, using a daily diary approach to capture fluctuations in children’s well-being as reported by parents. Parental burnout was measured at the start of the study, while child well-being was tracked both at baseline and through daily check-ins.

Key Findings

• Maternal burnout has a significant impact: When mothers reported feeling burned out, both they and their partners consistently perceived their child’s well-being as lower.

• Paternal burnout is more complex: While fathers’ burnout was linked to child well-being, the connection was weaker and more variable, suggesting that different factors may mediate how paternal stress affects family dynamics.

• A dyadic approach matters: By examining the experiences of both parents, the study highlights the importance of looking at the family as a system, where one member’s stress can ripple through the household.

Why This Matters

At Baumgarten Child Psychology and More, we recognize that a child’s well-being is deeply tied to the emotional health of their caregivers. This study reinforces what we see in practice: parental burnout is not just an individual struggle — it’s a family issue.

Supporting families means:

• Creating safe spaces for parents to talk about their stress

• Providing practical tools to manage chronic stress and prevent burnout

• Encouraging whole-family approaches to mental health, where parents and children work together toward resilience and well-being

A Special Note for International Families in the Netherlands

For expat and international families living in the Netherlands, these findings are particularly important. Relocating to a new country can be exciting but also intensely stressful. We regularly hear from parents navigating situations like:

• Language barriers — struggling to communicate with teachers or healthcare providers while trying to advocate for your child.

• Social isolation — feeling alone without the support of extended family or close friends nearby.

• School system adjustments — helping children adapt to a Dutch or international school environment that may be very different from home.

• Work-life balance challenges — managing demanding jobs or relocations while trying to be present for your family.

These added pressures can quietly build over time, increasing the risk of burnout and, in turn, affecting how children experience daily life. Recognizing these stressors is the first step toward creating healthier coping strategies.

At Baumgarten Child Psychology and More, we specialize in supporting international families. We provide culturally sensitive guidance, practical tools, and therapy tailored to the unique needs of expat parents and their children, helping families create balance and build resilience in their new home.

Looking Ahead

The researchers behind this study emphasize the need for future research to include children’s voices and explore how parental burnout affects diverse family structures, including multicultural and expatriate households. This broader understanding will help develop even more effective interventions for families around the world.

How We Can Help

If you’re an international parent feeling overwhelmed — or noticing changes in your child’s mood, sleep, or school performance — you’re not alone. Our team at Baumgarten Child Psychology and More offers evidence-based support to help your family thrive, even in the midst of big transitions.

📅 Schedule a consultation today to start building healthier routines for you and your child.

Reference:Grandjean, M., Spagnulo, G., Vowels, L. M., & Darwiche, J. (2025). Parental burnout and child well-being: A dyadic analysis among mothers and fathers. Journal of Family Psychology, 39(6), 767–777. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0001366