Dear overwhelmed parent,

Are you feeling like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders while your partner seems blissfully unaware of your exhaustion? You're not alone. Many parents find themselves in a similar situation, where the majority of parental and household tasks fall on one person's shoulders, leaving them feeling drained and depleted.

Let's talk about the energy dynamics at play here. Every task we undertake requires energy - physical, emotional, and mental. When one partner takes on the lion's share of the responsibilities, their energy reserves quickly dwindle, leaving little left to give to their partner or to the relationship itself.

Here's your script to send to your partner: 

Dear Partner:  Please take on tasks, both parental and household, that can be lifted from my plate. By doing so, you're not only lightening my load but also conserving my precious energy, which can then be directed back to you, to us, and to our family as a whole. But perhaps you're unable to fully grasp the extent of my exhaustion. Maybe you don't realize how close I am to running on empty. If that's the case, I implore you to pause, to reflect, and to empathize. Understand that when my tank is empty, I have nothing left to give - not to you, not to our children, and certainly not to our relationship.

Communication is key in any partnership, especially when it comes to sharing the workload. Here are some suggestions on how to approach this conversation with your partner:

Schedule a time to talk when you're both calm and undistracted.

Express your feelings openly and honestly, using "I" statements to avoid placing blame.

Be specific about which tasks are overwhelming for you and how your partner can help.

Listen actively to your partner's perspective and be willing to compromise and find solutions together.

And now, a journal prompt to help you delve deeper into your feelings and find the courage to speak up about your burnout:

Reflect on a recent moment when you felt overwhelmed by your parental and household duties. What emotions were you experiencing? How did it impact your energy levels and your ability to connect with your partner? What small steps can you take to start reclaiming your energy and finding balance in your partnership?

Remember, you deserve support and understanding from your partner. By speaking up and advocating for your needs, you're not only taking care of yourself but also strengthening the foundation of your relationship.