Parenthood
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Little Tears, Big Rewards

Little Tears, Big Rewards

Jordan Greenberg
December 13, 2023

Happy Wednesday,

I took my daughter to the pediatrician yesterday for her one year checkup. In addition to doing the usual and measuring her height, weight and head circumference, she also had to receive a number of shots and have blood drawn to test for anemia. Any parent will tell you that hearing your kid cry is one of the worst things in the world, and shots / finger pricks are a sure fire way to induce tears. Fortunately, we had a great nurse who was incredibly efficient and was able to diligently administer the vaccinations, keeping most of the tears at bay.

As a reward for being super brave and making it through this ordeal, I took our daughter for bacon and an açaí bowl after her appointment. Not that she’ll remember, but hopefully she felt some satisfaction from our outing together.

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One Big Idea

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The Invisible Load

In the dynamic landscape of modern parenting, mothers often find themselves shouldering a significant, yet unseen burden known as the 'invisible load.' This phrase encompasses the responsibilities of parenting that go beyond physical tasks, to include the managerial, cognitive, and emotional aspects. Mothers are typically more engaged in planning, organizing, and worrying about family needs and well-being. Recent research in the Journal of Business and Psychology reveals an intriguing aspect of this phenomenon: carrying this invisible load, particularly the cognitive and managerial aspects, can lead to a sense of fulfillment and even enhanced job performance. The study showed that successfully navigating family challenges can instill a sense of achievement that positively influences other areas of life, including the workplace.

However, the study also highlights the more challenging aspects of the invisible load, especially the emotional toll it can take. Excessive worry about family responsibilities can lead to exhaustion, sleep problems, and poorer job performance. This underscores the importance of balancing this load within the family. Experts recommend making the invisible load visible, engaging in open discussions with partners, and involving the entire family in managing and tracking necessary tasks. Techniques like writing tasks on notecards, and delegating responsibilities can help mitigate the stress associated with the invisible load. By acknowledging and addressing this often-overlooked aspect of parenting, families can foster a more balanced and fulfilling environment for both parents and children.