In survival mode: mothers and fathers’ experiences of fatigue in the early parenting period

Parents’ experiences with sleep problems in children aged 1–3 years: a qualitative study from a health promotion perspective

“…The parents performed considerable demanding care work to help their children get to sleep, while they themselves often experienced reduced or disturbed sleep, leaving them tired and exhausted. This was also highlighted in other studies (Cooklin, Giallo, & Rose, 2012; Giallo, Rose, Cooklin, & McCormack, 2013; Giallo, Rose, & Vittorino, 2011), and is something that can be seen in the context of the experience of fatigue among parents, including after the first few years of a child’s life (Cooklin et al, 2012). It is known that sleep problems in small children can be emotionally difficult for mothers (Hiscock et al, 2008).…”

“…In addition, mothers stretched themselves to safeguard the well-being of the family, and often suppressed their own need for relaxation and sleep. Therefore, it can be important to support parents in safeguarding their own care to a larger degree, as also recommended by Giallo et al (2013). In our study, most of the families had largely adjusted to the sleep problems.…”

Improving Psychosocial Health, Coping, and Self-Efficacy in Parents of Sleep-Disturbed Young Children

“…Similarly, Murray and Finn [64] reasoned that moments of extreme tiredness, stress, and frustration promote thoughts in mothers of intentionally harming the newborn. Other studies report that parents experience increased irritability and anger when fatigued [66] and show over-reactive discipline [67]. Giallo et al [12] reasoned that: "Fatigued parents may find it harder to manage anger and frustration associated with challenging parenting tasks or situations with their children, and therefore may be at risk of using negative parenting strategies such as yelling or smacking".…”

Differentiating maternal fatigue and depressive symptoms at six months and four years post partum: Considerations for assessment, diagnosis and intervention

“…Several studies have shown that high levels of fatigue among mothers of infants and young children have been associated with increased parenting stress Dunning and Giallo, 2012), lowered sense of competence and satisfaction in the parenting role Dunning and Giallo, 2012), increased irritability, and frustration in the parentchild relationship Giallo et al, 2013).…”