Parental burnout is a state of exhaustion caused by chronic parenting stress. Signs that a mom needs a break include meltdowns over minor things, disinterest in activities she once enjoyed, extreme tiredness, and low productivity.Parental burnout is a state of exhaustion caused by chronic parenting stress. Signs that a mom needs a break include meltdowns over minor things, disinterest in activities she once enjoyed, extreme tiredness, and low productivity.