Newsletter

Behind every medication schedule, therapy session, and doctor’s appointment is a parent juggling a thousand thoughts at once. The mental load of medical parenting is constant and often unseen, but it’s incredibly real. At VIVA Pediatrics, we want to recognize and honor the emotional, mental, and invisible work that families take on each day to care for their medically fragile children.

What Is the Mental Load?

The mental load includes all the behind-the-scenes thinking, planning, tracking, and decision-making that keeps everything running. For medical parents, this might mean managing insurance issues, scheduling appointments, researching treatments, and preparing for school meetings, all while being emotionally available to their child. It’s an invisible job that never truly ends, even when the to-do list is done.

Your Work Matters

If you’re a parent or caregiver, we see how much you’re doing, how you carry so much in your mind and heart. From advocating for your child’s needs to coordinating care across multiple providers, your dedication makes a difference every single day. You are not “just a parent”, you are a care coordinator, a fierce advocate, and the steady center of your child’s world.

A Reminder for Medical Professionals

For nurses, therapists, and office staff, understanding the mental load helps us serve families with more empathy. A quick check-in, a little extra patience, or even a simple acknowledgment of how much a parent is handling can go a long way. We are partners in this journey, and recognizing the full picture of a parent’s experience helps build trust and support.

Supporting Each Other

No one should feel like they have to carry the weight alone. Whether you’re a parent or a provider, community and connection are essential. Talk to someone who understands, join a support group, or simply take a moment to check in with a fellow caregiver. Every small gesture of support helps lighten the load.

Celebrating the Unseen

This April, we invite everyone in our VIVA community to take a moment to appreciate the invisible work that happens each day. It may not always get recognized, but it deserves to be. Celebrate the strength it takes to hold everything together and the love that drives it all.

At VIVA Pediatrics, we know that true care goes beyond what we see. It includes every thoughtful, tireless, behind-the-scenes effort that makes life better for a child.

Take Brain Breaks:

Encourage short breaks between homework or screen time. A quick walk, a dance party, or stretching can give their brains a chance to rest and reset.

One Thing at a Time:

Multitasking can be tricky, even for adults! Help children focus on one task at a time so their minds don’t feel scrambled or overwhelmed.

Limit Screen Time:

Try to keep recreational screen time in balance with outdoor play, reading, and quiet activities. Too much screen time can make mental fatigue worse.

Make Sleep a Priority:

A well-rested brain is better at managing stress and staying alert. Make sure kids are getting enough sleep each night based on their age.

Talk It Out:

If your child feels overwhelmed, talk about it! Helping them name what they’re feeling can reduce stress and build strong emotional skills.

Our brains work hard every day and just like muscles, they need rest to stay strong. Helping kids find balance keeps their minds healthy, happy, and ready to take on the world… with plenty of giggles along the way!