In 2017, working mothers are stepping up as equal earners alongside their male partners, with many even serving as the primary breadwinners in their families. Yet, a puzzling trend persists: these moms are still shouldering the majority of the household and family responsibilities.
A recent study by Bright Horizons Family Solutions reveals that the “mental load” carried by mothers is a significant factor affecting their lives at home and work. The data shows that working mothers who are the main contributors to their family’s income are two to three times more likely than their male counterparts to juggle household and family schedules.
What Does the “Mental Load” Entail?
If you’re a mom, you’re probably all too familiar with it. Consider everything on your plate: coordinating school pick-ups and drop-offs, managing sick days, organizing carpools, scheduling pediatrician visits, planning school events, keeping track of supplies, and, of course, the endless laundry. These are just a few of the many mental tasks that moms manage daily. It’s not that dads are uninvolved; they are more engaged than ever. However, it’s the moms who ensure that the family machinery runs smoothly. With the average working mom dedicating about 98 hours per week to both work and home life, exhaustion is a common result.
The study further indicates that as women take on the role of primary breadwinners in married households, their responsibilities increase significantly. Breadwinning mothers are three times more likely than their male counterparts to manage their children’s schedules and ensure that all activities and appointments are met. They are also three times more likely to volunteer at schools and nearly twice as likely to manage family obligations. In fact, a staggering 86% of working moms report that they handle the majority of household and family tasks.
Addressing the Imbalance
So, what’s the answer to this imbalance? Breaking down outdated gender stereotypes is a crucial starting point. “There’s never been a more pressing time to challenge traditional male and female roles at home and in the workplace,” states Jenna Parker, Chief Human Resources Officer at Bright Horizons. Employers need to recognize that many of their employees are balancing the demands of both work and family life.
Indeed, while work is an essential part of life, it should never dominate someone’s existence—this applies to both moms and dads. Workplace cultures could greatly benefit from being more gender-neutral regarding the roles of male and female employees. These antiquated beliefs only perpetuate inequality at home. By supporting working women, companies can encourage a more balanced approach that allows them to contribute meaningfully both at work and at home. Furthermore, by creating environments where men feel valued for utilizing work-life balance supports, workplaces can align themselves with the expectations of modern families.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in exploring more about parenting and fertility journeys, check out our article on Couples’ Fertility Journey for Intracervical Insemination. Also, for those considering at-home insemination, the At Home Insemination Kit is a great resource. Additionally, for comprehensive information regarding pregnancy, visit Healthline.
In summary, while working moms are making strides as equal earners, they continue to shoulder the majority of family responsibilities. Addressing the mental load they carry requires dismantling stereotypes and fostering equality in both the workplace and home life.
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