Since the beginning of time, there has been a running joke that husbands stress their wives more than their kids do, and now, the theory is supported by science.
According to results of a large survey performed by TODAY, almost half of all moms polled strongly feel this way.
A staggering 46% of the 7,000 US mothers that were questioned reported that their husbands were a larger source of stress than children.
“A 7-year-old is going to be a 7-year-old. But a 35-year-old acting like a 7-year-old is more stressful because they should know better,” mom Deno Fleno commented.
The survey also indicated that the average stress level for moms is very high, coming in at 8.5 out of 10.
Of the most poignant stressors, spouses and lack of time in the day topped the list of daily sources of anxiety, with one respondent saying:
“I am exhausted emotionally and physically when my husband comes home. He feels like
another job.”
Splitting up household tasks is another major source of stress, with 75% of moms reporting that they need to do most of the household and parenting chores.
It is worth noting that a previous TODAY survey targeted towards fathers revealed that two-thirds of dads reported that they’d like to have more verbal acknowledgment from their spouse when helping around with parenting tasks.
Results of the most recent survey targeted at mother’s with partners indicated that the majority of women feel that “dad stress” cannot be compared to the stress they endure.
“Even though I have a committed spouse, I still feel like all the pressure is on ME to get everything done. I work just as many hours as my husband does, but yet I do all the scheduling.”
“I feel like I am figuring out a lot about parenting on my own without the input of my husband. This stresses me out because when something goes wrong, it is all my fault.”
“He gets all the time he wants and I get none. I can’t even take a relaxing bath without my husband bringing the baby to me.”
“Often times it seems like I am the only adult in my house. My husband and daughter compete with me for my attention.”
The survey also mentions that the feeling of a spouse being a bigger stress source also applies to lesbian couples. Single moms reported the highest stress levels of all.
Therapist Hal Runkel isn’t surprised by the results of the survey and stresses that communication is always of the utmost importance.
“Marriage is a more difficult relationship than parenting,” he said.
If you’re a mother and find that your spouse causes you more stress than your children, you’re not alone. Perhaps it’s time to revoke some of your grown baby’s privileges? 😉
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