E20 Too Many Choices, Not Enough Brain: Parenting & Decision Fatigue

Parenting comes with a never-ending stream of choices - from what snacks to pack to how to respond to the fifteenth “Muuum?” of the morning. And at some point, your brain simply taps out. This episode dives into decision fatigue, why it hits parents so hard (especially neurodivergent parents), and why it’s not a moral failing… it’s cognitive load.

We break down what decision fatigue actually is from a brain and self-regulation perspective, how it overlaps with the mental load, and why some days even choosing dinner feels impossible.

You’ll also hear practical, realistic strategies to lighten the load: using routines as scaffolds, reducing unnecessary choices, externalising decisions, creating “good enough” defaults, and building in micro-rest for your brain across the day.

This episode aims to help you understand what’s happening, recognise the early signs when you’re approaching the edge, and give yourself permission to step back. Decision fatigue doesn’t mean you’re not coping - it means you’re human.