I’m a full-time mother with three children in preschool years. I love them like crazy but I am exhausted from just trying to keep up with them. I also feel emotionally isolated by being here in the house every day of the week. What do you suggest for mothers like me?

I talk to many women like you who feel that they’re on the edge of burnout. They feel like they will explode if they have to do one more load of laundry or tie one more shoe.

In today’s mobile, highly-energised society, young mothers are much more isolated than in years past. Many of them hardly know the women next door and their families may live some distance away or in another state. That’s why it is so important for those with small children to stay in touch with the outside world. Though it may seem safer and less taxing to remain within the four walls of a home, it is a mistake to do so. Loneliness does bad things to the mind.

Husbands of stay-at-home mothers need to recognise the importance of their support, too. It is a wise man who plans a romantic date at least once a week and offers to take care of the children so Mom can get a much-needed break.

Burnout isn’t inevitable in a busy household. It can be avoided in families that recognise its symptoms and take steps to head it off.

This article was written by Focus on the Family Malaysia (www.family.org.my) and the Questions and Answers are extracted from “Complete Family and Marriage Home Reference Guide” by Dr James Dobson with permission.