Podcast 62 Preventing Family Burnout - Making School sustainable for Everyone

In this episode of Navigating Neurodiverse Education, Ruth Smoker-Cornell tackles a topic every family needs to hear: burnout and how to prevent it.

Burnout doesn’t happen because families aren’t trying hard enough — it happens when the emotional, sensory, behavioural, and scheduling demands of school exceed the support available.
 And when a neurodivergent child is exhausted or dysregulated, the whole family feels the impact.

Ruth shares four practical, compassionate strategies to reduce overwhelm and create a more sustainable weekly rhythm:

1️⃣ Choose the minimum necessary — sustainability over perfection
 2️⃣ Protect your weekends — rest isn’t optional; it's therapeutic
 3️⃣ Build a daily parent recharge routine — even 10 minutes makes a difference
 4️⃣ Collaborate with school early — seek adjustments before crisis hits

This episode is a gentle reminder that you don’t have to push through exhaustion.
 Small, intentional changes can help your child — and your whole family — thrive long-term.

If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, this is your sign to pause, breathe, and listen.

For more advice, support, to book a consultation or to find out more information please visit:

The Neurodiverse Education Hub Website

You can also purchase our e-book from the website:
e-book - Navigating Education: A Parent's Guide to Choosing the Right Primary School for your Neurodivergent Child

and our

Free Brochure - Transitioning from Kindergarten to Primary School for your Neurodivergent Child