Parents across the UK are dedicating nearly £935 worth of unpaid work each month, a new study has shown. The research, conducted by parent tech brand Bebello, reveals that parents are spending an average of 53.75 hours monthly on tasks such as household chores, cooking for children, and tending to their babies. This equates to almost 54 hours of unpaid labour, amounting to £935 based on the average UK salary. The study found that 58% of parents are feeling stressed and overwhelmed by the continuous demands of running a family.
The survey highlighted that parents are so immersed in the day-to-day responsibilities – termed as ‘kidmin’ – that they are sacrificing quality time with their children and partners. Tasks such as cleaning the house (3.6 hours weekly), doing laundry (3 hours weekly), and meal planning (2.1 hours weekly) were identified as the top three most time-consuming activities for parents. Shockingly, parents reported spending less time playing with their children (3.4 hours weekly) than engaging in household chores (3.6 hours weekly).
Andrew Carr, the Founder and CEO of Bebello, expressed concern over the immense pressure parents face in managing the administrative tasks that come with raising a family. Carr stated that the term ‘kidmin’ encompasses a significant commitment on top of parents’ daily responsibilities, leaving them time-poor and in need of respite. He emphasised the importance of acknowledging and addressing the challenges faced by parents in today’s society.
The findings shed light on the struggles that parents endure in juggling various responsibilities within the household, often at the expense of personal well-being and family time. The study underscores the need for support systems and resources to assist parents in managing their workload effectively. By recognising the valuable but often unacknowledged contributions of parents, efforts can be made to alleviate the burdens they face on a daily basis.
In response to the research findings, there is a growing call for initiatives to support parents in balancing their work and family commitments. The study serves as a reminder of the significant role parents play in nurturing and caring for their children, often without receiving due recognition for their efforts. As discussions around parental workload and well-being continue to evolve, there is a collective push towards creating a more supportive environment for families to thrive.
With parental responsibilities taking a toll on mental and emotional well-being, it is crucial to address the challenges faced by parents in today’s society. By fostering a culture of understanding and support, parents can feel empowered to seek help and prioritise self-care amidst their demanding roles. The study’s revelations serve as a poignant reminder of the silent sacrifices made by parents and the need to advocate for policies that promote work-life balance and family-friendly practices.
As the conversation around parental workload gains momentum, there is a growing awareness of the need to establish a more sustainable and inclusive framework for supporting families. By acknowledging the invaluable contributions of parents and the challenges they confront, steps can be taken to enhance the well-being of families across the UK. The study’s insights serve as a catalyst for broader discussions on reshaping societal norms and promoting a culture of care and support for all parents.