Overview

• A December study in the Journal of Marriage and Family found mothers handle 71% of planning, organizing and scheduling for their families.
• Board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Sue Varma warns that this imbalance triggers persistent anxiety, sleep disturbances and increased irritability among mothers.
• Research indicates fathers typically manage episodic chores like finances and yard work, whereas mothers oversee core daily tasks central to family well-being.
• Specialists recommend that partners acknowledge the invisible burden by proactively assuming specific household responsibilities without waiting to be asked.
• Experts advise mothers to communicate their needs clearly and engage in regular check-ins to foster shared decision-making and mutual support.