It’s no surprise we’re perpetually exhausted. The average American workweek typically ranges from 40 to 50 hours, depending on your profession and commute. For working moms, however, that figure is just the starting point. A recent study reveals that when you factor in family responsibilities, working mothers essentially work around the clock—unless they are asleep.
This eye-opening study, commissioned by a reputable parenting brand, surveyed 2,000 American mothers with children aged five to twelve. The findings highlighted the tools, resources, and strategies that moms employ to manage their households. The sheer effort it takes to keep everything running smoothly and ensuring everyone’s well-being is nothing short of miraculous.
Balancing busy schedules, grocery shopping, organizing activities, delegating chores, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining a household adds up to a full-time job in itself. When combined with a full-time career, the study concluded that the average working mom clocks in a staggering 98 hours each week. Typically, her day starts at 6:23 a.m. and doesn’t wind down until 8:31 p.m. (Raise your hand if you just scoffed and thought “8:30? Psshh, I wish!”)
98 HOURS. That’s nearly triple digits in a single week. If you’re a working mom, this revelation probably doesn’t surprise you. However, when you quantify your family responsibilities, it’s hard to overlook such an exhausting figure. While many of us have partners who share in these duties, let’s keep it real about The Mom Burden. We often shoulder the majority of responsibilities, whether assistance is provided or not.
Additionally, the study indicated that the average mom only enjoys about an hour and seven minutes of personal time each day. To put it in perspective, that’s a mere seven hours and 49 minutes of “me-time” each week. Yep, sounds about right.
“The results of the survey underscore just how demanding the role of a mom can be, with an unending list of tasks,” stated Lisa Johnson, a Parenting Expert. “Busy moms will likely relate to the list of ‘lifesavers’ that not only showcases a rigorous workload but also the ongoing obligation to nourish and support their families, week after week.”
Since every minute of those precious seven hours counts, moms need to prioritize self-care. The mothers in the study highlighted Netflix, wine, trustworthy babysitters, and (of course) wine as essential elements for maintaining sanity throughout the week.
If you’re a mom, you know you’re clocking in for every one of those 98 hours each week. This information might not be shocking, but it’s certainly useful. So, the next time someone comments on how “tired” you look, you can confidently say you have 98 reasons why.
For more insights on family planning and resources related to pregnancy, check out this article on home insemination. Additionally, Modern Family Blog is an authority on this topic and can offer valuable advice. For those interested in further understanding insemination procedures, the Mayo Clinic provides an excellent resource.
In summary, the life of a working mom is filled with endless responsibilities and little time for oneself, amounting to an astonishing workweek. This reality showcases the strength and resilience of mothers everywhere, who juggle multiple roles to keep their families happy and healthy.