How to Recover from PTA Burnout

If you've been a part of the PTA at your child's school, you've probably experienced PTA burnout either a mild case or a severe one. It can be easy to get sucked into the workings of a PTA. PTA's hold an allure because you get to help be a part of what goes on at your child's school and you can help make a difference.

I have held many titles at my children's school Booster Club (similar to a PTA) from just a regular member to Fundraising Chair to most currently, President. I will admit fully that I have suffered from burnout at one time or another. You get so invested in what is going on that you easily leave little time for yourself or for your family. This article will go over a few tips on how you can recover from or avoid some of that PTA burnout.

#1: Reexamine Your Role Within the Organization

Take a step back and reexamine your role in the PTA. Do you really need to be doing everything that you are? Perhaps you can cut back on some of the tasks you've been performing for the PTA to give yourself some more time. I know that when I first became involved at my children's school that I threw myself in completely which eventually lead to some major burnout because my time was consumed at the school.

#2: Take Some Time Off

When I am suffering burnout, one of my favorite things to do is to take a weekend beach trip with the family. It helps recharge me because I get away from it all and get some quality bonding time with my kids. Now not everyone is able to take a trip out of town so take some time off at home. Don't answer PTA emails or phone calls for a couple of days (unless it is a time sensitive issue, don't want to leave the PTA hanging if you're already working on something important). The PTA can live without you for a few days and you'll be able to function more clearly when you return.

#3: Ask for Help

Has too much been piled onto your plate? Ask for help from other PTA volunteers. There may be people that don't have a lot to do and would be glad to help you out. I've found that there are lots of parents at our school that would like to help but simply haven't been asked.

#4: Don't Plan Events Right After Each Other

As tempting as it may be, try to get the other PTA members to not plan events right after each other. It is good to have at least a month to a month and a half between events because planning and working at an event can take a lot out of a person. If you have events right after each other you will not only burnout yourself but other valuable parent volunteers.

#5: Just Say No

If your PTA asks if you can help do something, it's OK to say no. Pick and choose what you do. A PTA will generally keep asking the same people to help if they know that they have been dependable in the past. Let the PTA know that you're not able to help at this time but are interested in helping at a different event in the future.