Multitasking Working Moms Have All the Pressure
Scientific Proof That Women Have it Rougher and Tips on How to Multitask
Women, arguably, can do a lot more than men. While some will say that they can do anything men can do on heels, some say that they are better when it comes to multitasking. Even when working moms and working dads are pitted together, some will say that women do more of the job, especially at home.
That's where Shira Offer's study comes in, lead author and assistant professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Bar-Ilan University in Israel. According to Offer's study, working mothers spend a total of 48.3 hours a week multitasking, compared to the 38.9 hours that working dads do - a difference of 10 hours.
But not only that, when multitasking at home, mothers do chores associated with housework or childcare, while fathers, on the other hand, only talk to a third person or engage in self-care, the assistant professor pointed out.
To be more specific, the study found that among working mothers, 52.7% of all multitasking episodes at home involve housework, compared to the 42.2% among working fathers. In addition, 35.5% of multitasking for moms is linked with childcare, compared to the 27.9% of dads.
Tips on Making Things Easier
So with all said, and for mothers, all done, what should change? What should working moms do to make things easier for them?
The answer might not have anything to do with mothers, instead, lie on the dads. Offer said that a simple way to improve the situation for mothers is for fathers to step up and do their share of chores.
For example, Offer said that dads can adjust their time for work so they can do more when it comes to family routines; take the time off for family events; and limit the amount of work they bring at home.
And even if the working dad's help isn't enough, there are still some things that working moms can do to make things a whole lot easier for them. According to Excelle.Monster.com, working mothers can:
1. Hire a babysitter - there is no shame in relying on someone else to take care of your children, but the important thing to remember is to find someone that you can trust to leave your child to
2. Adjust schedule - find ways to have time in both at home and at work, like offsetting. The most important thing is to be totally upfront with your employer and explain your position
3. Stop blaming self - a lot of stress and effort goes into moms who spend time blaming themselves because they can't do it all, or that they feel guilty because they can't balance their lives