Feel like you are doing the job of 10 people? The to-do lists, the constant planning, the emotional stress, the manual labour and all the things that aren’t always visible, but are deeply felt.

This week we’re diving into something that so many parents feel but rarely talk about openly – the mental load of parenting.
We’re joined by our Psychologist Expert Dr Carrie Haywood to unpack what the mental load is, how it affects us, and what we can do about it. We discuss:

• What the mental load is when it comes to parenting

• The emotional toll of constantly being the 'default parent'

• The psychological or cognitive consequences of carrying a high mental load over time

• The common signs a parent is carrying too heavy a mental load

• Dr Carrie’s top tips for talking to your partner about the mental load and ways of sharing it

• Particular parenting styles contributing to a heavier mental load than others

• How letting go of perfectionism and having more self compassion can help to reduce a parent’s stress

• Dr Carrie’s strategies to help parents deal with the mental load and emotional stress of parenting

• Dr Carrie’s advice for parents who feel like they’re constantly dropping balls and failing even though they’re doing so much.

Never forget Parents You've Got This

The Expert Guide To Parenthood Podcast is proudly supported by Mustela natural origin skincare, by parents' side since 1950.

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Parents You've Got This offers antenatal and postnatal parenting education and Masterclasses from the planning phase to early preschool.

Learn more: parentsyouvegotthis.com.au

Credits: Producer Dean Thomas, Camera person Tim Hehir, Content and Hosts Parents You've Got This

Thank you Think HQ for the beautiful podcast recording space