How Stressed Moms Find Silver Linings. Navigating a global pandemic and new ways of life has made this year a challenging one for all. That especially rings true for the many moms who have had to adapt to new realities while still keeping up with other everyday demands. DOVE Chocolate commissioned a national survey of over 1,000 U.S. adults to uncover the myriad of emotions moms have experienced. The results do confirm that a majority of moms are stressed out. However, the data also shows that moms are discovering their resiliency and what they value most in life.
As a brand that supports women, DOVE Chocolate wants to amplify moms’ voices. The insights provided by Maru/Blue, DOVE Chocolate hopes to shine a light on the challenges moms face. The women who took the survey came from diverse backgrounds, spanning a range of ages, incomes and geographies across the U.S., yet the responses indicate that they have a lot in common.
“Feeling understood is empowering, and we want moms to know they’re not in this by themselves,” said Leslie Philipsen, Brand Director, DOVE Chocolate.
NEW SCHOOL YEAR, SAME CHALLENGES
Since earlier this year, many moms have had to help take on the role as both parent and educator. It’s no surprise nearly 3 out of 4 moms reported feeling anxious during the stay-at-home orders that began in March. Nearly 70% of those surveyed agreed they experienced burnout. With the new school year kicking off, many parents continue to face difficult decisions regarding whether in-school or remote learning is best.
Additionally, nearly 40% of moms report feeling anxious about the future. When asked what they learned about themselves during this time, however, the most common response was about being resilient, adaptable and able to handle anything.
CONNECTION IS NECESSARY AND NEEDED
Overwhelmingly, a lack of connection with other people during stay-at-home orders had a negative impact on moms.
“If you’ve struggled with feeling disconnected to others during this time, please know that the data shows you are not alone,” said Philipsen. “According to our results, nearly 70% of moms agreed they’ve experienced feelings of isolation. It’s a good reminder that the simplest acts to facilitate connection from afar, like catching up over the phone or sending a handwritten note.
All moms ranked navigating their “new normal” – whether it be homeschooling, reduced “me-time” due to managing more people at home or transitioning to working remotely – as an additional stressor.
MAKING THE MOST OF MORE TIME
When asked about the most positive impact from stay-at-home orders, the universal answer was having more quality time with children and “more quality time with their partner”.
For moms who shifted to working from the “home office” during the pandemic, the “flexibility that comes with working from home” ranked as a top advantage. This flexibility allowed working moms to experience newfound time, milestones and moments with their family. In fact, 84% of working-from-home moms strongly agreed that they grew more emotionally connected with family during stay-at-home orders. In fact, moms did not feel as negatively impacted by an “absence of childcare,” according to the data.
While moms experienced a lack of connection with others. 65% agreed that they discovered or returned to interests and hobbies during stay-at-home orders. Moms found more time for activities such as reading, self-care and being physically active.
When asked about lessons they will take into the future, “taking better care of myself” and “making more time for me” were common responses. As one mom noted, “I learned that I really need to focus on myself and my needs above anything else. When I am not fulfilling my basic needs, I cannot be the best version of me for my family, and they deserve me at my best.”
Photo courtesy of Ruth and Rene Photography
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