Studies Say Dads Get More Leisure Time, Moms Say ‘No Kidding’

shutterstock_143771857__1382193388_142.196.156.251A group of studies show that dads on average have about three hours more leisure time a week than moms. This phenomenon is referred to as the “leisure gap.” We totally have this leisure gap in my house. I’m pretty sure it’s my own fault, though.

From PewResearch.org:

… our analysis of the 2010 ATUS data finds that fathers with children under age 18 in the household on average spend about three hours more leisure time than mothers (27.5 hours per week vs. 24.5 hours per week).

Our analysis of this data shows that mothers find their leisure time to be more meaningful than do fathers. Mothers rate 63% of their leisure activities ”very meaningful,” while fathers give a similar rating to about 52% of their leisure activities.Meanwhile, mothers feel more exhausted than fathers during their leisure time, and their stress level associated with leisure time is higher as well.

Confession time: I always feel like I’m doing more around the house and that I have less free time than my partner. But I have to admit – this is my own fault.

I have always been very type A when it comes to organizing the house. I can’t relax when there are dishes in the sink or laundry that needs to be done. The problem with this is – there are always dishes in the sink or laundry that needs to be done. My husband would be happy devoting a day or a certain allotted time to these activities. He’ll always get them done – just not as swiftly as I like them done.

So – I end up doing it. I’ve always been this way. In college, I was the roommate who cleaned up after everyone. I never had a problem with it. I always felt that I was the one who had to live that way – no one else had a problem with things being a little dirty for a time.

I totally relate to feeling a little stressed out during my leisure time as well. Whenever I get away, I always put myself on an imaginary time-clock. My husband constantly offers to hold down the fort with the kids so I can get away more. I don’t take advantage of this as much as I should.

So yes – my man has more leisure time. But honestly, it’s my own fault.

(photo: wavebreakmedia/ Shutterstock)

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