It’s 2023, and you might think that the concept of shared parenting would give moms a bit of a breather. But you would be mistaken. Even in areas that should be a team effort, it seems like the burden falls squarely on moms. A recent study highlights that kids aren’t getting enough exercise—and guess what? It’s all traced back to mom.
Sponsored by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a new survey explored how much time moms dedicate to physical activities with their children. Between juggling jobs, household chores, and the unending blame for every family mishap, it turns out moms have little time left for those long bike rides.
According to the findings, the top three activities moms engage in with their kids are dinner, TV, and homework—pretty much everything you can fit into the fleeting moments after a long day. Out of 1,154 moms surveyed, about half reported going for a walk, run, or bike ride with their kids in the past week, while only 26 percent had played sports or danced with them. Funny enough, we don’t hear much about how many dads are out there running marathons with their children after a long day at the office. Why is that? Because they didn’t even bother to ask!
The survey, conducted by Woman’s Day, might have something to do with the focus solely on moms, but wouldn’t it be nice if they asked about family habits instead of just targeting mothers? Researchers were quick to point out that moms’ increasingly sedentary lifestyles are contributing to childhood obesity, and they suggested that moms need to commit to family workout time. But what about dads?
This study is part of the Commit2Ten initiative, which encourages families to engage in just ten minutes of physical activity together each day. Why is it assumed that moms are solely responsible for making this happen? Why is it only mom’s “bad” habits that are blamed for unhealthy kids?
Moms are already expected to achieve the impossible—perfect pregnancies, extended breastfeeding, finding Pinterest-worthy gluten-free lunches, and raising fierce feminists, all while managing screen time and keeping their emotions in check. Now we’re being asked to juggle yet another ball?
While I recognize that mothers play an essential role in family health, it’s becoming increasingly frustrating to see that the burden seems to rest only on our shoulders. My partner gets to be a dad and maintain his identity, often earning praise for the bare minimum he does. I’m not looking for accolades for doing what is expected, but I do want a fair balance. Sure, I may be a hero to my kids, but that doesn’t mean I possess superhuman powers.
For more insights on family health and dynamics, check out our blog about the importance of shared responsibilities in parenting here. If you’re interested in fertility and parenting topics, this is a great resource. And for those looking for more information on pregnancy, this is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, it’s high time we recognized that parenting is a shared journey. Moms shouldn’t bear the brunt of blame for family health when everyone plays a part. Let’s work together to create a more balanced approach to raising healthy kids.