ABQ Times

Back-to-school season often brings an increase in childhood illnesses, leading to added stress for parents. Experts from The University of New Mexico Health Sciences emphasize the importance of parental self-care during these times.

Children can fall ill more than eight times a year, with each illness lasting between three to ten days. "If you think about it, that is probably most of their young life, or at least it feels like that to parents," said Anna Duran, MD, Chief Medical Officer at UNM Children’s Hospital. She noted that while it can be overwhelming for parents when their children are sick, exposure to viruses helps build children's immune systems by generating antibodies.

As children grow older, they tend to get sick less frequently and with milder symptoms.

Kristina Sowar, MD, Associate Professor in the UNM School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry, acknowledged the difficulty parents face during prolonged illness periods. "It’s hard," she said. "Especially those long streaks when parents want to know ‘when are they going to get better? Are they okay?’"

Sowar advises setting realistic expectations and planning for backup care to manage the additional stress effectively. She warns against burnout from trying to handle everything alone. "In those high-pressure moments, we're not always connected with what our own stress levels are," she explained.

Taking breaks is crucial for avoiding burnout. Sowar recommends both short and long breaks: stepping away momentarily during stressful interactions and engaging in activities like exercise or social outings throughout the week.

"Do the things that help you feel connected with who you are beyond the day-to-day parenting," she advised. Modeling self-care behaviors also serves as an important lesson for children about managing stress and prioritizing well-being.