You're not imagining it. Parenting really does feel harder when you're running on empty.

If you've caught yourself wishing for just one day where nobody needs you, this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar.

Organisational psychologist and bestselling author Dr Amantha Imber joins Dr Justin Coulson to explain why so many parents feel exhausted and what actually helps. No impossible morning routines. No guilt. Just practical, science-backed strategies you can use in minutes.

You'll learn why scrolling leaves you more tired, how to spot the type of fatigue you're dealing with, and the simple habits that can help you feel more like yourself again.

KEY POINTS
Why so many parents feel permanently exhausted.
The burnout fantasy that more people have than you'd expect.
The three types of energy that shape your day.
Fast, science-backed ways to boost energy in under a minute.
Why social media drains your brain instead of helping you recharge.
How better boundaries protect your energy without letting people down.
Small changes that leave you with more patience for your family.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"We don't just have one energy account. We have three. The key is working out which one needs your attention first." – Dr Amantha Imber

RESOURCES MENTIONED
The Energy Game by Dr Amantha Imber

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Work out whether your physical, mental or emotional energy is running lowest.
Swap one social media break for real rest this week.
Try a one-minute energy boost like peppermint or a splash of cold water.
Start answering requests with "Yes, but…" so you can set clear limits.
Write a "Never Again" list of commitments that leave you drained every time.

You're not imagining it. Parenting really does feel harder when you're running on empty.
If you've caught yourself wishing for just one day where nobody needs you, this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar.
Organisational psychologist and bestselling author Dr Amantha Imber joins Dr Justin Coulson to explain why so many parents feel exhausted and what actually helps. No impossible morning routines. No guilt. Just practical, science-backed strategies you can use in minutes.
You'll learn why scrolling leaves you more tired, how to spot the type of fatigue you're dealing with, and the simple habits that can help you feel more like yourself again.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why so many parents feel permanently exhausted.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The burnout fantasy that more people have than you'd expect.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The three types of energy that shape your day.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Fast, science-backed ways to boost energy in under a minute.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why social media drains your brain instead of helping you recharge.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How better boundaries protect your energy without letting people down.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Small changes that leave you with more patience for your family.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"We don't just have one energy account. We have three. The key is working out which one needs your attention first." &ndash; Dr Amantha Imber
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.amantha.com/energy">The Energy Game</a> by Dr Amantha Imber</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Work out whether your physical, mental or emotional energy is running lowest.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Swap one social media break for real rest this week.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Try a one-minute energy boost like peppermint or a splash of cold water.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Start answering requests with "Yes, but&hellip;" so you can set clear limits.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Write a "Never Again" list of commitments that leave you drained every time.</li>
</ul>

Deciding which parenting advice to follow? Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia’s most downloaded parenting podcast.

Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.

From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more connected to your kids.

Deciding which parenting advice to follow?&nbsp;Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia&rsquo;s most downloaded parenting podcast.
Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.
From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more connected to your kids.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

The Energy Game: Stop Running on Empty! [with Amantha Imber]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/a7c98d9b-85de-4755-b363-b488003dfbe1/transcript