What is the mental load — and why do we persist in carrying so much of it? Research finds that women not only serve as parent and caretaker for their families, but also as the “unofficial keepers of where the entire family needs to be and when, and perpetual guardians against anything falling through the cracks.”
Jennifer + Rachael consider the invisible weight that hides in plain sight and how to let go of at least a bit of it.
Are you carrying more than your share of your family’s mental load? Tell us your story at TheBreadwinnerspodcast.com. We’d love to hear how you make it work and help us tell the stories that mean the most to you.
Please help us grow: Rate, review and subscribe to The Breadwinners on Apple podcasts!
Episode links
“Women Are Overburdened With Their Families’ “Mental Loads,” Better Life Lab/Slate
https://slate.com/human-interest/2018/03/women-are-overburdened-with-their-families-mental-loads.html
Jeannie's story: Jim Gaffigan on his wife's brain tumor
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/when-life-gives-you-pears-jim-gaffigan-and-jeannie-gaffigan-on-her-brain-tumor/
2017 Modern Family Index
https://solutionsatwork.brighthorizons.com/~/media/BH/SAW/PDFs/GeneralAndWellbeing/MFI_2017_Report_v4.ashx
“How Couples Share ‘Cognitive Labor’ and Why it Matters,” Behavioral Scientist
https://behavioralscientist.org/how-couples-share-cognitive-labor-and-why-it-matters/
Want more Jennifer? Visit www.Jennwork.com
Want more Rachael? Visit www.ReworkingParents.com
Our music is “Run for your Money,” by Devil and Perfects. Listen to them on Spotify.
