Why don't you try to schedule a couple of days off. I usually take the Friday before Family day off so I get 4 days off and a shorter week both sides of the long weekend. It can make a difference. As you are new to this work, try to keep a mental note of your signs of burnout so you can try to come up with solutions to either avoid it or deal with it. I am 6 1/2 years in and still haven't figured it out but once I feel my common indicators of burn out coming on I try to book a couple of days off. I understand its easier said than done to make time for yourself.

I think as a mother and caregiver it's in our nature to look after others and neglect ourselves. I know lots on hear will say that they manage it and more power to them but for certain personality types it's more of a struggle to do this but it's absolutely necessary. I feel burnt out almost permanently these days and even with the best intentions it's difficult to change habits of a life time over night. I keep trying though. My mantra is "baby steps" no pun intended lol

I don't know how old your own kiddies are but perhaps over march break a couple of day camps would give you a break?? I can't afford to go away at March Break this year due to losing half my kids in December but I am going to take a couple of days off and I am sending my kids to a couple of day camps at the YMCA. It will give me an opportunity to have some alone time. I will feel it financially but I am being more frugal right now to enable myself this time to recharge.

Do you have a set "quiet time" in the afternoon for dckids to nap and which also includes your children having quiet time regardless of their age? Even if your own kids are not used to a quiet time I would implement it for them ASAP even if its just an hour that your own kids can watch a movie or play quietly in their rooms it will be better than your described day now with no time to breath. By making it compulsory for them and part of their routine, you can establish this time for them and yourself ongoing. Hope my advice helps.