Online debate sparks about ‘challenges’ stay-at-home moms face
In this DML Report…
Online discussions have intensified criticism toward stay-at-home moms, with men and some women labeling them as lazy and accusing them of exaggerating the challenges of their role. A work-from-home dad named Cass from Colorado Springs, who cares for his one-year-old daughter, stated in a viral video that he manages three meals a day, timely diaper changes, naps, playtime, arts and crafts, and full apartment cleaning by early afternoon while watching her. He questioned when the role becomes hard, asserting that stay-at-home moms are lying about its difficulty. Other commenters echoed this, calling it the easiest job in the world and suggesting complaints stem from playing the victim or not wanting the responsibility.
Stay-at-home moms report significant fatigue and mental strain from constant housework and parenting duties, including cooking, cleaning, and child management without breaks. Research indicates that 62 percent of burned-out parents feel unsupported by their partners, contributing to stress, exhaustion, isolation, loneliness, and resentment. New York mom Alicia Murray, with two young boys, described being tired to the point where sleep or coffee provides no relief and dreading full days at home with her children. Economically, their unpaid labor holds substantial value, with a global study estimating monthly contributions of about $4,700 in New York City and $4,600 in Los Angeles.
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Supporters of the criticism include a man who claimed to have been a stay-at-home dad for five years with three kids, describing it as the easiest job he ever had, involving cooking, cleaning, laundry, weekly sheet changes, and recreational activities like hiking and beach outings. Some stay-at-home moms agreed, with one mother of five (soon six) stating it's not hard at all, and another noting it's only burdensome if unwanted. Critics further argued that the role is easy but downplayed to avoid seeming unimportant, emphasizing its value despite the lack of difficulty.