Two Full-Time Jobs
Can we just take a moment to acknowledge something that's often overlooked? Working moms don't really have weekends off. It's a tough truth that leads to major mental burnout. I started thinking about this after I gave Kate a Saturday morning call to ask her what she was up to. Instantly, she started reciting a list of household chores- laundry, groceries, kid’s birthday party, a door repair… You get the drift.
According to a study by the Pew Research Center, mothers spend almost twice as much time on childcare and household chores as fathers do. On an average weekend, working moms can end up working an additional 14-16 hours compared to their partners. That's like having two full-time jobs!
Now this is not a dad dis. The reality is societal expectations go waaayyyyy back, setting a tone that moms should bear the bulk of childcare and housework. Second, many working moms feel guilty if they prioritize self-care. (Yes, I see you!) But this constant juggling act between work, home, and self can lead to negative mental and physical outcomes.
The solution: take small steps to reclaim your weekend. FYI… it will never stick if you take big, earth-shattering strides.
Ask for help: Communicate with your partner and pass on a little bit of the load. Seriously, having your partner run a load of laundry will not create WW3.
Say no: Sometimes you just need to lay on the couch in your pajamas. (That’s what I’m doing right now.) 😂
Do one of the following: take a long bath, read a book, or go for a walk. You’ll thank me.
Find a support system: Lean on friends, family, or local parent groups. Tag teaming literally got me through those years when my children were young.
And here’s a big one, acknowledge the tremendous load that working mothers bear, especially when it comes to weekends. The statistics are undeniable, and the burnout is real. So let's collectively work towards a world where weekends truly mean rest and rejuvenation for ALL parents. It's not just about making our lives better; it's about setting a precedent for future generations. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and every small step is a giant leap towards a more balanced life.
