It’s no surprise that exhaustion is a constant companion for many of us. A typical work week in America averages between 40 to 50 hours, depending on job and commute. However, working mothers push that number significantly higher. A recent study revealed that when family responsibilities are factored in, working moms are essentially on duty around the clock, except during sleep.
Commissioned by Welch’s, the study surveyed 2,000 American mothers with children aged five to 12. These mothers shared the strategies, tools, and resources they employ to manage their households. Keeping everything running smoothly while ensuring everyone is healthy and happy is truly a remarkable feat.
Balancing schedules, grocery shopping, organizing, delegating tasks, cooking, cleaning, and overall household management is a full-time job in itself. When combined with full-time employment, the research found that the average working mom logs an astonishing 98 hours each week. Typically, these moms begin their day at 6:23 a.m. and don’t wrap up until 8:31 p.m. (And if you just rolled your eyes at that 8:30 ending time, you’re not alone!)
That’s right—98 hours. That’s nearly triple digits in a single week! For working moms, this figure isn’t surprising, but it does highlight the incredible amount of work involved in family responsibilities. Sure, many have supportive partners, but let’s keep it real about The Mom Burden; we often take on the majority of the load regardless of assistance.
The study also found that mothers report having just about an hour and seven minutes to themselves each day. To break it down further, that equates to a mere seven hours and 49 minutes of “me time” in a week. Yep, sounds about right.
Casey Lewis, MS, RD and Health & Nutrition Lead at Welch’s, stated, “The results of the survey highlight just how demanding the role of mom can be and the non-stop barrage of tasks it consists of.” She added that busy moms can relate to the list of “lifesavers,” which reflects not only a hefty workload but also an ongoing need to nourish and support their families day in and day out.
To make the most of those fleeting hours of self-care, moms in the study identified essentials such as Netflix, wine, grandparents, reliable babysitters, and yes, wine again, as crucial for maintaining sanity throughout the week.
If you’re a mom, you know you’re clocking every minute of those 98 hours weekly. While none of this may come as a shock, it’s certainly a useful perspective. Next time someone remarks on how “tired” we look, we can confidently respond that we’ve got 98 reasons to feel that way.
For further insights and tips, check out our post on home insemination here. If you’re interested in fertility resources, visit Make a Mom’s fertility booster for men for expert advice. Additionally, for comprehensive information on pregnancy week by week, March of Dimes is an excellent resource.
In summary, the demanding schedule of a working mom not only encompasses full-time job responsibilities but also the myriad tasks associated with managing a household. The overwhelming hours logged can take a toll, yet knowing the truth behind these numbers empowers moms to voice their experiences.