The festive season often brings joy, togetherness, and the opportunity to create beautiful memories with loved ones. But let’s be honest: it also comes with its fair share of stress. Between gift shopping, meal planning, decorating, and juggling family commitments, it’s easy for parents—especially mums—to feel overwhelmed.
At Between Mums, we know that this season can sometimes feel like it’s about everything else except us. That’s why we hosted a special Parental Burnout Workshop, designed to help mums reclaim their peace, set boundaries, and approach the holidays with less stress and more joy.
The workshop, led by the wonderful Gemma Dean—a life coach and single mum of three—was a reminder that self-care is not a luxury; it’s essential, especially during this time of year.
The Importance of Self-Care During the Holidays
For many mums, Christmas can feel like a to-do list that never ends. From finding the perfect gifts to making sure every meal is Instagram-worthy, the pressure to create a “magical” holiday can leave us feeling drained.
But Gemma’s workshop reminded us that the true magic of Christmas isn’t in the presents or the decoration—it’s in the moments we spend together. And to truly enjoy those moments, we need to prioritise our own well-being.
Gemma highlighted that as mums, we often put ourselves last. But this festive season, it’s crucial to think of ourselves as women first, not just as caregivers. Christmas isn’t solely about the children or the presents; it’s about us as a family, including the person who holds it all together—you.
Gemma’s Story: A Life Coach and Single Mum of Three
Gemma’s insights hit home because she understands parental burnout on a deeply personal level. As a single mum of three, she has first hand experience juggling the demands of parenthood with her own aspirations and well-being.
Through her journey, Gemma has developed practical strategies to manage stress, set boundaries, and prioritise herself. Her passion for helping mums comes from a place of authenticity and kindness.
Five Tips to Manage Parental Burnout During the Festive Season
Gemma shared five actionable tips to help us navigate the holiday season with more ease and joy including setting realistic expectations, finding time for ourselves, learning how to say no and setting boundaries and priorities without feeling overwhelmed. Click here to watch the workshop.
A Space for Mums, by Mums
This workshop was more than just a session on managing holiday stress—it was a reminder that we’re all in this together. One of the most powerful takeaways was the idea that Christmas is about all of us, not just the kids. As mums, we deserve to feel the joy of the season too. By taking care of ourselves, we’re better able to create a warm, loving environment for our families.
If you weren’t able to attend, don’t worry! The replay of the workshop is available for you to watch at your convenience here. Whether you’re wrapping gifts late at night or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, this session will leave you feeling empowered and supported.
Follow Gemma and Discover More Resources
Gemma shares valuable insights and tips for mums on her social media channels. Follow her on Instagram, LinkedIn and check her website to find out how she can support your journey as a parent.
At Between Mums, we’re also here to support you with a wealth of resources designed for mums returning to work after a career break. Whether you’re looking for mindset coaching, practical skills, or a community of like-minded women, we’ve got something for you.
Explore our website to learn more about:
- Fully-funded courses to help you re-enter the workforce
- Workshops and events tailored to mums
- A range of courses for mums, including a mindset course for mums returning to work, LinkedIn and job search, and much more
Let’s Redefine the Festive Season Together
This Christmas, let’s make a pact to focus on what truly matters—connection, joy, and self-care. Let’s give ourselves permission to slow down, set boundaries, and say no when we need a break. Remember to watch the workshop replay here.
Because the best gift we can give our families is a happy, healthy version of ourselves. Let’s embrace the joy of the season together.