How working parents divide family responsibilities

June 17, 2026 - 10:20

A recent survey of parents in different-sex relationships reveals a persistent gap in how household and childcare duties are split, even when both partners work full-time jobs. Researchers asked mothers and fathers in these families to report who handles the bulk of daily responsibilities, from cooking and cleaning to helping with homework and scheduling doctor visits.

The findings indicate that mothers are still doing more. While many fathers contribute, the data shows that the mental and physical load of running a home and raising children falls disproportionately on women. This includes not just the visible tasks, like preparing meals, but also the invisible work of planning and remembering what needs to be done. The pattern holds true even when both parents earn similar salaries and work similar hours outside the home.

Experts suggest that traditional gender roles and expectations remain a powerful force. Even in households where couples believe they share duties equally, a closer look often reveals that mothers are the default parent for most child-related tasks and the primary manager of the household. The survey highlights that for many working mothers, a full day at the office is followed by a second shift at home, a reality that continues to shape family dynamics and career decisions.