.png)
Fathers today are more involved in parenting than ever, but research shows that mothers still bear the brunt of child-rearing responsibilities. Over the past few decades, fathers’ weekly child care time has increased significantly, from 2.5 hours in 1965 to 7 hours in 2011. However, mothers’ child care time has also grown, rising from 10 to 14 hours per week over the same period, leaving a persistent gap in parenting time.
This inequality becomes even more apparent after the birth of a child. Mothers’ total weekly workload—including child care, housework, and paid employment—jumps by 21 hours, while fathers’ workload increases by only 12.5 hours. This represents a 70% greater burden for women, even in households that embrace more progressive views on parenting roles.
Mothers also face the challenge of constant multitasking, often combining child care with housework or professional duties. On average, they spend 10 more hours a week multitasking than fathers, which contributes to heightened stress, frustration, and feelings of being overwhelmed. Additionally, mothers disproportionately handle the "mental load" of parenting, such as managing schedules, planning activities, and organizing appointments.
While dads today are more engaged than previous generations, the unequal division of labor at home shows how much work remains to achieve true equality in parenting.
