Understanding the Mental Load Moms Carry
What Is the Mental Load?
The mental load refers to the running list of tasks that occupy a person’s mind, often consisting of invisible responsibilities that are hard to pass on or earn appreciation for.
As Dr. Cutlip explains, it goes beyond merely handling physical tasks like grocery shopping or laundry. It includes cognitive and emotional efforts such as planning family activities, keeping track of the kids’ schedules, and maintaining household harmony.
Why Moms Bear the Brunt
Research shows that, regardless of whether women work full-time, part-time, or are stay-at-home moms, they frequently carry most of the mental load. This burden affects personal wellbeing and can strain relationships. Understanding this is crucial for fostering healthier family dynamics.
Discovering Dr. Morgan Cutlip
I don’t say this lightly…
This might be my favorite podcast episode I’ve ever recorded in 4 years of podcasting.
I discovered Dr. Morgan Cutlip just two weeks ago, invited her on the show, and our conversation—and her new book that launched TODAY—has already changed my life as a high-achieving mom.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying the weight of the world—remembering appointments, managing your career, keeping the house together, being present for your partner and kids—this episode will make you feel so seen.
We’re talking about the invisible mental load moms carry, how to stop carrying it all alone, and simple, practical shifts that can bring more support, ease, and connection to your everyday life.
The Double-Edged Sword of Modern Parenting: “And because we have a society that sort of and ends up pushing us towards things defaulting to the female, it becomes really imbalanced very quickly, which can rapidly breed feelings of resentment and also leaves women feeling pretty burned out and almost like this is this is not a sustainable way to live of, like, working, you know, that saying, like, work like you don’t have kids, raise kids like you don’t work.” Dr. Morgan Cutlip
In this episode, we cover:
- What the “mental load” of motherhood really is—and why it feels so heavy
- How to ask for what you need without turning it into an argument
- Small changes that help you and your partner feel more like a team
- The powerful real-life stories behind Dr. Morgan’s new book (A Better Share)—and why it hit me so hard
- Ways to build a more connected, supportive parenting partnership
This conversation was honest, energizing, and so validating. Since talking with Dr. Morgan, I’ve had better conversations with my husband, and we already feel more in sync.
Valuing Time and Energy Over Money”: “I think we have to shift the currency of home and family life to time and energy. And so that becomes the gauge.” – Dr. Morgan Cutlip
📖 Grab Dr. Morgan Cutlip’s New Book
A Better Share: How Couples Can Tackle the Mental Load for
More Fun, Less Resentment, and Great Sex >> ORDER HERE
If you’re a working mom, a high achiever, or someone who’s just tired of holding it all together, this episode is for you. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to carry it all.
Meet Dr. Morgan Cutlip
Helping women master their relationships with themselves & their partner.
Dr. Morgan Cutlip, PhD in Psychology and highly sought after relationship expert, knows what it feels like to lose yourself in motherhood, and she’s determined to help mothers navigate it better.
