Reclaiming Balance in the Division of Labour in Parenting

Introduction: A New Chapter, New Challenges

Becoming a parent changes everything. One day you’re just two people in love, and the next, you’re juggling feedings, diapers, and sleep deprivation. It’s a beautiful journey, but let’s be honest—it’s also hard. Especially when the division of labour in parenting starts to feel… uneven.

Maybe you’re the one who remembers doctor appointments, buys baby clothes, and soothes midnight tears—while your partner “helps out” when asked. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many new moms feel the weight of both emotional and physical responsibilities. And it’s okay to admit that it’s overwhelming.

This article is for you—the woman who feels exhausted, unheard, or like she’s losing herself in the process. We’re not here to convince anyone who already feels balanced. We’re here to support those who don’t.

“Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create.” And sometimes, you need help creating it.

Through small reflections, gentle honesty, and empowering insights, we hope to guide you back to you. If you’re searching for healing, clarity, or just someone who gets it—you’re in the right place. Because you deserve a parenting journey that includes your joy, too.

The Emotional Weight of Unequal Parenting

You may have noticed something after becoming a parent—your mind never seems to switch off. While your partner might “take turns,” you’re still the one planning meals, tracking nap times, and remembering when diapers are running low. This invisible load is real. It’s called mental and emotional labor, and in most homes, it falls heavily on women.

The division of labour in parenting isn’t always about who does what—it’s also about who thinks, worries, and plans ahead. And often, it’s you.

You might find yourself feeling tired in a way that sleep doesn’t fix. Resentment sneaks in, even if you love your family deeply. You miss who you were before the baby. That bright, driven, laughing version of you? She’s still there. Just quieter right now.

Let’s pause and acknowledge this: Your feelings are valid. Burnout, frustration, and even guilt are all part of this complex chapter. You’re not being dramatic. You’re being human.

There’s a reason many women feel this way. A 2022 study found that women handle over 70% of daily parenting tasks—even when both parents work. That’s a heavy emotional backpack to carry alone.

One mother once said, “I felt like I disappeared into the role of ‘mom’ and forgot how to be ‘me.’” If that hits home, take heart. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to carry it all.

This space isn’t here to fix things overnight. It’s here to let you breathe, reflect, and feel seen. When the division of labour in parenting feels unfair, sometimes the first step isn’t a chore chart—it’s reclaiming your sense of self.

Understanding ‘Division of Labour’ Beyond Chores

When you hear “division of labour in parenting,” you might picture laundry, dishes, or bedtime routines. But it’s more than chores.

You carry more than a diaper bag. You carry the worry, the planning, the mental to-do list that never ends. That’s emotional labor—and it matters just as much as physical tasks.

You remember the pediatrician’s name, keep track of school forms, and notice when your child seems “off.” You also smooth over meltdowns, offer hugs, and take on the emotional energy of the home. These invisible responsibilities often go unnoticed—but they’re real, and they’re heavy.

It’s not just about who does what, but who feels responsible for what. That mental and emotional imbalance can lead to resentment, fatigue, and burnout.

A friend once shared, “I wasn’t tired from parenting. I was tired from thinking for everyone else.” Can you relate?

This is the part of parenting that rarely gets talked about. It’s not in the baby books or parenting checklists. But it’s real life for many women.

Redefining the division of labour in parenting means creating space to share not just tasks, but the emotional weight. It means being honest with yourself—and your partner—about what’s fair.

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, confused, or just stretched too thin, you’re not weak. You’re simply human. This isn’t about blaming or fixing others. It’s about acknowledging your experience and choosing yourself again.

As the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” You deserve support, understanding, and rest—just as much as love and joy. Let’s start there.

When Conversations Fail: Why Women Need Support

You’ve probably been there. You try to explain how the division of labour in parenting feels unfair, but it falls flat.

You mention how exhausted you are. He nods, maybe says, “Just tell me what to do.” And somehow, that feels worse.

Having to explain everything defeats the purpose. You don’t want a helper—you want a partner who sees the load and steps in.

When conversations go nowhere, it’s frustrating. Over time, it chips away at your self-worth. You may start to question your own feelings.

You wonder, “Am I overreacting?” or “Maybe I should just handle it myself.” That self-doubt isn’t your fault. It’s the weight of feeling unseen.

Communication breakdowns can make even strong women feel small. You stop speaking up because it feels pointless. Silence becomes a coping strategy.

A mother once shared, “I stopped asking for help. It was easier to do it all than to argue.”If that sounds like you, know this—your voice matters. Your feelings are real. You’re not asking for too much.

Sometimes, it’s not about fixing the conversation. It’s about finding support where you feel heard. That’s where life coaching helps.

Support isn’t just someone listening. It’s someone helping you rebuild confidence, set boundaries, and reconnect with your worth.

The division of labour in parenting shouldn’t leave you feeling invisible. You deserve space to grow, rest, and feel whole again.

As Brené Brown says, “Vulnerability is not weakness. It’s our greatest measure of courage.” So if you’re tired of talking and not being heard, it’s okay to reach for help. It’s not giving up—it’s choosing yourself.

Where GrowMyHappiness Comes In

If the division of labour in parenting has left you feeling drained, unseen, or unsure of who you are—you’re not alone.

Sometimes you just need a safe space. Not advice. Not judgment. Just someone who listens and helps you reconnect with you.

That’s where GrowMyHappiness steps in—not with a “fix,” but with gentle, structured support. We’re here if you need it

.Our life coaching programmes are designed for women who carry the invisible load. Women who feel unheard, yet keep showing up.

If you’ve lost confidence or feel like you’re just surviving—not living—this space was made for you.

GrowMyHappiness helps you rebuild emotional strength. We guide you through healing old wounds, setting boundaries, and rediscovering purpose.

Our sessions focus on real things: emotional healing, self-worth, fulfilling relationships, and yes—financial independence too.

A client once said, “It wasn’t about changing my life overnight. It was about finding myself again, one breath at a time.”

Whether you’re seeking balance, clarity, or simply more peace, our coaching meets you exactly where you are.

We don’t promise perfection. We offer presence. Guidance. A path forward.

So if the division of labour in parenting has left you feeling lost in the noise, know this—you deserve support too.

As one wise quote reminds us, “Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is ask for help.”And when you’re ready,

GrowMyHappiness is right here—cheering for you, walking with you, and helping you come home to yourself.

What You Can Expect from GrowMyHappiness Coaching

If the division of labour in parenting has left you feeling stretched too thin or unsure of your path—you’re in the right place.

Our coaching isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s personal. It’s warm. And it’s created just for you.

Here’s a gentle peek at what our programmes offer—like a self-care toolkit designed to help you heal, grow, and shine:

GrowMyHappiness Coaching Benefits:

Structured Healing Sessions

Feel supported as you unpack emotional pain, past patterns, or burnout—step-by-step, at your pace.

Confidence-Building Tools

Learn small daily habits to help you trust yourself again and speak up for what you need.

Relationship Alignment Guidance

Explore how to improve communication and reconnect with your partner—without losing yourself in the process.

Stress and Trauma Management Techniques

Discover gentle, research-backed ways to handle anxiety, overwhelm, or emotional fatigue.

Career and Identity Rediscovery Support

Reignite your passions. Rebuild your sense of purpose. Reconnect with the “you” that got lost in the parenting shuffle.

One mother described the experience as, “Like finally exhaling after holding my breath for years.”

Our goal is simple: help you feel whole again. Whether you’re struggling in silence or simply seeking clarity, these tools are here for you

.Because when the division of labour in parenting leaves you running on empty, healing isn’t just helpful—it’s powerful. You deserve to feel balanced, seen, and strong again. To learn more about parenting as patners, read our blog about Parenthood Coaching.

Practical Steps to Begin Reclaiming Balance

When the division of labour in parenting starts to feel heavy, you don’t need a big fix—you just need a gentle reset.Start small. One of the kindest things you can do is notice how you feel. No judgment. Just awareness.

Journaling helps. Write for five minutes each day. Let your thoughts spill out. You might be surprised at what you learn.

Another tip? Set emotional boundaries. It’s okay to say, “I need space,” or “I can’t do this right now.” Your needs matter.

You can also try creating micro-routines. A five-minute walk. A daily cup of tea. A moment of silence. Tiny rituals can bring calm.

And don’t forget self-check-ins. Ask yourself: How am I feeling today? What do I need right now? Listen with kindness.

One woman shared, “I started with just one boundary: not answering messages while eating. It felt like claiming a part of myself again.”

The truth? You don’t have to fix everything. You only have to recognize when something feels off. That’s where healing begins.

This isn’t about becoming a perfect parent or partner. It’s about reconnecting with you—your voice, your peace, your balance.

So if the division of labour in parenting has tipped too far and left you feeling invisible, breathe. Take one small, loving step.

As Glennon Doyle said, “We can do hard things—but we don’t have to do them alone.”

You’re allowed to ask for help. You’re allowed to start again. And most importantly—you’re allowed to put yourself on your own list.

You’re Not Alone: Seeking Support Isn’t Weaknes

the division of labour in parenting has left you feeling overwhelmed, please know this—you are not alone.

Needing help isn’t weakness. It’s human. It’s okay to feel tired, confused, or even a little lost.

You don’t have to carry everything by yourself. Not your emotions or your guilt. Not your doubts.

Many women feel the same way but are too afraid to say it out loud. That doesn’t make you less—it makes you real.

Healing begins the moment you admit, “I can’t do this all on my own.” And you don’t have to.

“Asking for help isn’t giving up. It’s refusing to give up on yourself.”

If you’re ready to feel like you again, GrowMyHappiness offers a safe, structured space to begin that journey.

Our programs are here to support women who feel unheard, unbalanced, or simply unsure of what comes next.

There’s no pressure—just possibility. And hope.

Because life after the overwhelm can be joyful. Purposeful. Freeing.

And your next chapter? It starts when you say yes to yourself.

Step Into the Version of Motherhood That Honors You Too

If the division of labour in parenting has left you feeling like a background character in your own life, you’re not alone.

Maybe you’re showing up for everyone else—but forgetting to show up for you. That doesn’t make you selfish. It makes you human.

At GrowMyHappiness, we don’t try to change you. We help you come home to yourself.

Our life coaching programs offer gentle guidance for women who feel tired, stretched thin, or disconnected from their purpose.

You deserve support that meets you where you are. No pressure. Just a soft space to land.

“You can be a good mother and still want more for yourself.”

So if you’re ready to reconnect—with your voice, your joy, your balance—know that we’re here

.Your motherhood journey deserves to include you, too. And we’re honored to walk beside you when you’re ready.