Our culture constantly bombards children and parents with the message that they need to do more, be more, and achieve more. This relentless pursuit of “more” is a direct pipeline to burnout. A clinical psychologist’s insights suggest that one of the most powerful things a parent can do is to introduce and embrace the concept of “enough.”
This idea is the philosophical underpinning of setting “realistic goals,” as advised by clinical psychologist Meghna Kanwat. It’s about recognizing a point where effort is sufficient, where achievement is satisfactory, and where it is healthy to stop pushing. This counters the perfectionistic mindset that there is always more that could have been done.
Parents can model the power of “enough” in their own lives and in their expectations for their children. This means celebrating a “B” on a difficult test as a solid achievement rather than questioning why it wasn’t an “A.” It means allowing a child to stick with one or two beloved activities rather than pushing for a longer resume.
Embracing “enough” also applies to rest and well-being. It’s the recognition that the child has had enough stimulation and needs rest, or that they have done enough work for the day and deserve to play. This conscious choice to prioritize well-being over relentless striving is a radical act in a competitive world.
By cultivating a family culture where “enough” is a respected and valued concept, parents can provide a powerful antidote to the societal pressure that fuels burnout. They can teach their children the profound wisdom of knowing when to strive and when to be content, a lesson essential for a balanced and happy life.
