The boundary
Parents want to offload repetitive execution, but keep the routines that feel like parenting.
Net preference score (chosen most minus chosen least). Staying personally involved was the top red line, raised by 118 of 150 parents.
Offload the execution
Highest net preference scores
Keeping the home clean and tidy+35
Homework and learning support+17
Meal planning for the family+16
Doing and putting away laundry+13
Keep the connection
Lowest net preference scores
Buying and tracking school supplies−33
Managing bedtime routines−28
Managing the morning routine−16
Booking and managing childcare−10
“
All the tasks that are ongoing, tedious, routine tasks that are high effort, low output, that actually take away time with my children.”
Karin S., 39
Solo juggler with minimal outside caregiving support