It’s generally understood that every mum is a superhero who’s the main CEO, chef, cleaner, tutor, and general keeper-together of the family, covering the jobs of several people. And as every mum knows, motherhood has no set hours, with ‘night shift’ often following overtime after a ‘day shift’.
It’s a labour of love – but that doesn’t mean it’s not A LOT of work. And finally there’s research into just how much work it is.
A survey of 2000 Americans mums of children aged five to 12-years-old were surveyed about their weeks by juice company, Welch.
The responses exposed something that every mum already knows – child-rearing is one of the most demanding jobs you can have.
On top of physical work, mum’s deal with ‘the mental load’ of parenting. We discuss, on our podcast for imperfect parents. Post continues…
The average mum starts her day at 6:23am, and doesn’t ‘clock-off’ until approximately 8:31pm. That’s a 14-hour working day – usually every day of the week.
Which means that’s 98 hours for the entire week; or, the equivalent of two and a half full-time jobs.
But surely she has some down time, too? Survey says: on average, just one hour and seven minutes a day.
And does she get any help? Yes! From coffee, wine, the occasional nap, and the use of her ‘mum voice’ – which the kids actually listen to.
Also listed as things mums depend on to get through the long, demanding hours were babysitters or family help, television, wet wipes, take-away food and electronic devices. And yoga pants, whose inclusion will come as no surprise to most mothers, who already know that activewear saves lives.
One of the most time-consuming aspects of motherhood is the management of little people, who are often fussy-eaters, reluctant sleepers, and exacting bosses.
Things like vomit, managing extended family, and fielding questions such as “what does ‘the C-word’ mean?”, are frequently-encountered complicating factors.
It seems that the only reason why more mums don’t cut back on their motherhood hours, or quit altogether, is that they find their children as infinitely adorable as they are a strain on financial and emotional resources.
Which is very lucky for the kids.
Top Comments
I'm not buying it.
An average 12 year old does not require 14 hours a day from a mother (that time includes cooking, etc).
I believe that the day starts at 6am and finishes at 8pm, but you shouldn't be on the go the whole time.
And yes, I have 2 kids in that age group and have spent a reasonable amount of time (weeks) caring for them.
It would definitely be that long if you are also working though - as most mums of 12 year olds are. It's unclear from the study if it includes working mums or not. The study is weird anyway, seems just to be trying to sell juice.
Yes you're right, that 14 hours does include 'career', I missed that when reading the study results.
Lol I thought the same thing about the result, it's all about people feeling guilty because they are under pressure to supply a healthy meal, and surprise surprise a juice company thinks they can help with that.
Did they indicate age groups? I can quite clearly say that is my day in a nutshell with a 2 year old and 2 4 year olds, plus the multiple get ups a night for the 2 year old at the moment (Night Garden at 1am anyone?) And I have to sit down and try to study at 8pm as well. I do realise this won’t be forever, but then being back at work and doing all the household stuff I would anticipate my day would be non-stop from 6am until 8pm at least. And non sick days or annual leave or penalty rates for mums (or dads as primary caregiver) of course!
5-12 year olds.
I could see it more in the lower ages but certainly not as you get into full time schooling.
And the survey does include time for 'career'.
So it's pretty misleading to say that mothers days are 14 hours long.
PS I hate the Night Garden.
I've worked in trades, services, hospitality & spent the last 3 years as full time carer of my 2 kids both now under 7. Can't agree with this assessment. Looking after kids is the most fulfilling & easy 'job' (should you even call it that?) I've ever had. I'm truly at a loss what all you ladies winge about. Im doing this alone & one of my kids is special needs to boot. If I was to share the secrets of my approach I'd say a huge part is being mentally prepared. To accept this is where you are in life, here & now, & there really is no other higher calling, eliminates any anxiety a lot of you ladies often say you suffer from when you try & 'have it all'. Next is good preparation & scheduling are the foundation stones of organization & efficiency. Amazing how much extra time you will find with an efficient schedule. Also having an easily accessible interest that you don't need to galavant around town to pursue can help keep your body & mind active. I'd also recommend holding down a part time job with weekend work to keep cashflow up so you aren't relying on child support. Cheers
Wow, cheers for the tips, Robert!!
Don't feed the trolls.
I’ve fallen for his sh*te before unfortunately...he needs to go back to A Voice for Men.
And do we put our kids in childcare on the weekends for our part-time weekend job there? Please tell us more on how you are such a stellar parent, and we gallivanting ladies have got it all wrong!