Too often we minimize the unpaid work that women disproportionately handle when we use terms like “working moms” to refer only to those with paid jobs outside the home. Labels such as “stay-at-home mom” imply inactivity, while describing men as “helping with the kids” suggests that parenting is optional for fathers. Even using terms like “childcare” or “elder care” can imply that these roles are solely about providing affection and support, minimizing the extensive and demanding labor involved. This language can preserve stereotypes and contribute to gender-based differences in economic security.

These are important issues for society to deal with. But they also affect us at a personal level. They can produce conflict between spouses or partners…

*I collaborated with The Utah Marriage Commission to produce the following resource.

Click here to access and work through the mini-workshop with your partner.