A recent study from the prestigious Captain Obvious University, in collaboration with Cornell University, the University of Minnesota, and the Minnesota Population Center, has confirmed what many have long suspected: moms are more stressed and less happy than dads when it comes to parenting. The reason? It seems that doing all the heavy lifting takes a toll on one’s mental well-being.
According to the researchers, “time diary data” indicates that while both parents enjoy spending time with their kids, mothers report higher levels of stress and fatigue due to their workload. The phrase “differing tasks” might sound neutral, but let’s be real: it often translates to one parent carrying the entire load while the other kicks back.
You may argue that it’s 2016 and that dads are stepping up to break away from traditional gender roles. But let’s pause for a moment—who was the one awake all night when the kid had a fever? Who meticulously filled out insurance papers or sorted through last season’s clothing to donate? Who remembered the urgent need for a new toothbrush or attended that oh-so-fun PTA meeting?
As University of Minnesota researcher, Sarah Johnson, puts it, “the silver lining is that parents generally love being with their kids.” However, the downside is that moms are having less fun because they’re bogged down with the “work” aspects of parenting. You know, like laundry and meal prep.
Sleep also plays a significant role in this happiness disparity. Moms are frequently interrupted by their kids, making it hard to catch those precious Z’s, while dads enjoy more uninterrupted downtime. This dynamic contributes to the fact that fathers often feel less tired than mothers when it comes to parenting.
And while mothers are often praised for simple acts like walking their kids to school or styling their daughters’ hair, let’s not forget that dads get similar accolades for those very same tasks.
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In summary, the findings underscore a persistent imbalance in parenting roles that leaves moms feeling more stressed and less fulfilled than their counterparts. While both parents enjoy their time with the kids, the division of labor still needs some serious rethinking.