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30th August 2024
02:45pm BST
For many, it is likened to managing a second full-time job.
A recent study conducted by Harris Poll in collaboration with Skylight has given an insight into what a person should earn as a stay-at-home parent.
Surveying 2,000 parents with children under 18, the study delves into the mental and emotional demands placed on mums and dads today.
The study reveals that managing a household consumes a significant portion of parents' thoughts.
On average, they report that 63% of a parent's mental energy is dedicated to household responsibilities each day.
This translates to approximately 30 hours per week - similar to a full-time job.
If compensated, this workload would equal an annual salary of $60,000 (€55,500).
Nearly 58% of parents feel overwhelmed by the challenge of keeping up with family activities.
The study also highlights a gender gap in parenting duties. About 78% of mothers consider themselves the default parent, compared to 58% of fathers.
Additionally, over 80% of mothers report that schools contact them first about their children, while only 60% of fathers said the same.
When children need help finding something, 86% of mothers are approached first, versus 62% of fathers.
In dual-income households, this disparity continues, according to this study.
Sixty-four percent of mothers identify as the primary caregiver, compared to 40% of fathers. As well as this, 70% of mothers are responsible for five or more household tasks, whereas 61% of fathers manage five or fewer.
Family scheduling also significantly impacts parents. Eighty-one percent of parents have experienced work disruptions due to family scheduling conflicts.
One-third of parents would prefer to forgo sex for a year rather than give up their calendars.
Additionally, 58% of parents report spending more time on the logistical aspects of parenting than enjoying the experience itself.
Libby Rodney, the chief strategy officer at Harris Poll, spoke of the gravity of these findings and said: “Our recent study with Skylight illuminates the staggering unseen burden of the mental load on parents—akin to a full-time job, unrecognised and unpaid, worth $60,000 (€55,500) annually.
“Parents are not only overworked but are also missing out on the joys of parenting and their partners due to the immense mental load they carry.”
