Mums are Working 98 Hour Weeks

Being a parent means you live a busy life. Demands and tasks to complete are endless. One study has found that Mums are working 98 hour weeks. Making it much more work than a full time job!

The study was conducted by juice company Welchs. They surveyed 2,000 Mums with children aged between 5-12 years old. It was concluded that their days usually start at around 6.23am and their work was completed by 8.31pm. 

Whether days involved parenting or career related tasks their days clocked up to a whopping 14 hours a day! Many parents have to do this day in day out - 7 days a week!!

Following on from the survey I opened up the question to our followers and asked what you simply couldn't live without? What is it that helps you to parent better? What helps to get you through when the going gets tough? 

Pauline Ashmore - "My children are older now, but I remember the days well. I long for them days now. But at the time, it wasn't easy. My sister was my saviour and would always come round to keep me company or offer to have them for me so I could take some time to recharge. Even today I am thankful to her for her help and support when I needed it the most. It helped me make the most of the days that today I treasure more than anything in my heart."

Stacey Dale - "Chocolate, chocolate covered biscuits and wine once they are all in bed."

Jodie Mewaye - "Hands down my parents. I couldn't do what I do without them. They go out of their way all the time to do little things that mean so much to me! My Mother came round the weekend and bagged up some ironing to take back and do for me. For Christmas they've paid for me to have a night away to just recharge. Their support stops me becoming overwhelmed and because of that I feel like I can be a better parent."

Harriet Harris - "My slow cooker makes my life so much easier!"

Kara Ann Cross  - "My saviour is home delivery food shopping. I'm a single parent without a car."

Tracy Usherwood - "Coffee, Coffee and more coffee." 

Sam Davis - "I don't really get any help or support from anyone. I'm a single Mom of 2. It's a struggle, it really is. But my kids keep me going. I seem to keep finding the energy from somewhere." 

Becci Nicholls - "Coffee, Pink Gin, Social Media."

Jenni Mallott - "Goodness so many things - but to narrow it down definitely a good support system whether that's family or friends. During the first few weeks post baby when thing are hormonally bonkers. When you look like you've been dragged through a hedge, your in a sleep deprived state - having that support system to tell you what you feel is normal for now. Having someone to take baby while you shower, to cuddle baby while you fall asleep mid conversation. The people that don't care what you look like but love you and yours like they were their own is something we for sure couldn't have lived without."

Stacey Mc - "Coffee, a coffee helps keep me awake. But I agree. Fresh air. A walk around the woods does you wonders. And local places that sell coffee. Coffee is always a winner for me and if I'm honest my partner is such an amazing Daddy & partner! I can't fault him one bit (except he can't cook)."

Clare Duval - "The same thing that helps me carry on childminding - being flexible, realistic, normal and being able to laugh at strange things."

It was also mentioned that Mums lifesavers she couldn't live without also include - handing over the iPad, watching Netflix and taking advantage of drive through meals.

Sometimes Mums simply have to do what they have to do to keep order. To be able to complete jobs and to get 5 minutes of calm. 

We know that being a parent isn't going to be a ride in the park. It's hard work. We embrace as much as we can. But help and support is welcomed, and often needed. It will often see us through the days when our energy is low and we feel like the demands are overwhelming. 

The survey also highlighted the little time Mums have to themselves. It revealed that just over 1 hour a day was clocked up. Many parents don't have the luxury of enjoying that hour whole either. Its 5 minutes here and 10 minutes here, often while contemplating whats got to be done next. 

Casey Lewis, from Welchs - told Yahoo "The results of the survey highlight just how demanding the role of Mum can be and the non stop barrage of tasks it consists of".

No matter what Mums face - they keep going. Often we feel like we're drowning, but with all our might we keep doing all we can to keep a float.

Although the survey focused on Mum's we know that Dad's work just as hard. 

Being a parent is not a 9 till 5. Its hard work and long hours. 

So whether you switch on the ipad to bring about some calm while you pick up the million and one things on the floor, or head to McDonald's for a midweek treat because you quite simply couldn't face the task of cooking tonight - you are amazing. You've got this. 

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