About the Episode:
In this episode of the Modern Mommy Doc podcast, Dr. Whitney Casares dives deep into the systemic issues that working moms face—from the gender pay gap and unpaid labor to the childcare crisis. Join her as she provides practical solutions to help mothers reclaim their power and advocate for systemic change. Whether it's pushing for paid parental leave, advocating for employer-sponsored childcare, or finding support in your community, this episode is packed with actionable advice to ease the mental load that moms carry. Tune in for insights, research-backed strategies, and inspiration for working moms trying to balance it all.
Key Discussion Points:
The Gender Pay Gap Persists:
- In 2023, women earn 82 cents for every dollar a man earns, with Black women earning 63 cents and Latina women only 57 cents for every dollar earned by white men. This gap leads to long-term financial repercussions and impacts retirement savings. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Unpaid Labor and the Mental Load:
- Women, especially mothers, are disproportionately responsible for unpaid labor like childcare and housework, often spending 3.5 hours a day on these tasks compared to men's 1.9 hours. This imbalance contributes to stress and burnout for working mothers. Source: American Time Use Survey and the 2024 Fair Play Institute Study
The Childcare Crisis:
- Childcare costs are prohibitively expensive, with the average annual cost for a single child being around $13,853. For families in places like California, that cost can rise to nearly $17,000, and more than half of Americans live in "childcare deserts." Source: Child Care Aware of America
The Impact of Paid Parental Leave:
- Paid parental leave reduces infant mortality by 10% and lowers the risk of postpartum depression by 47% for mothers. It also leads to higher workforce retention, with 94% of women returning to work after taking paid leave. Source: The Lancet and U.S. Department of Labor
Solutions for Working Moms:
- Employer-Sponsored Childcare: Companies with onsite childcare or childcare subsidies experience 50% lower turnover rates for working moms.
- Flexible Work Schedules: Allowing parents to work remotely or adjust their schedules can reduce the childcare cost burden by up to 30%.
- Policy Advocacy: Groups like Moms First and Totem Women are driving change by advocating for paid leave and childcare support at the national level.
Action Steps for Listeners:
- Advocate for Change: Speak to your HR department about offering more family-friendly benefits like onsite childcare or stipends. Even small conversations can build momentum for workplace improvements.
- Get Involved in Policy Advocacy: Join groups like Moms First or the CareGap initiative by Mother Honestly to support campaigns for expanded child care and paid leave at the national level.
- Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with like-minded working moms who understand the struggles, and explore cooperative care models like Wonder School to make childcare more affordable.
Resources:
- Fair Play Institute
- McKinsey Report on Gender Inequality
- Child Care Aware of America
- Mother Honestly - The CareGap Initiative
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Modern Mommy Doc podcast for more conversations on how to thrive as a modern mom! Subscribe, share, and leave a review using the hashtag #ModernMommyDoc.
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About the Episode: In this eye-opening episode of the Modern Mommy Doc podcast, Dr. Whitney Casares sits down with child sleep experts Dr. Andrea Roth and Dr. Allison Shale—two clinical psychologists and co-authors of The Essential Guide to Children’s Sleep: A Tired Caregiver’s Workbook for Every Age and Stage (written with Dr. Shelby Harris) . Together, they break down the myths, shame, and unrealistic expectations that surround slee p training and offer compassionate, evidence-based advice that actually meets parents where they are. This episode is your permission slip to stop blaming yourself, throw out the cookie-cutter advice, and start working with your child’s unique temperament, challenges, and developmental stage—whether that means defiant toddlers, anxious middle-schoolers, or non-sleeping newborns. About Our Guests: Dr. Andrea Roth and Dr. Allison Shale are licensed clinical psychologists and moms who specialize in child and adolescent mental health. Together with co-author Dr. Shelby Harris, they created The Essential Guide to Children’s Sleep to give exhausted parents the tools to support their kids’ sleep with confidence, flexibility, and empathy. Their approach is grounded in science—and shaped by real-life parenting. Follow them on Instagram: @essentialkidssleep Key Takeaways: Why this sleep book is different It’s written by clinical psychologists, not influencers—and it combines science, flexibility, and real-world parenting experience. How your child’s daytime behavior impacts nighttime sleep From anxious kids to defiant or ADHD children, the team explains why your child’s personality and emotional regulation during the day matters more than you think at bedtime. The truth about sleep “milestones” You’ll learn why your two-week-old shouldn’t be sleeping through the night, why “wake windows” are often misused, and why transitioning to a toddler bed before age 3 might be setting everyone up to fail. The importance of timing and readiness Parents don’t have to sleep train when they’re already overwhelmed. These experts offer a refreshing take on how to assess if now is the right time—and how to set up for success. What works for toddlers (and what doesn’t) You’ll hear how techniques like the “break method” and “camping out” can be adapted based on your child’s age and developmental stage. How to support anxious or defiant older kids at bedtime The language we use matters. For anxious kids, it's all about reducing pressure and focusing on rest. For defiant or ADHD kids, clear expectations and behavior-based plans are key. The shame-free approach every tired caregiver needs Sleep doesn’t have to be a battleground—or a place for guilt. These authors bring compassion and practicality to every step of the process. 📩 Subscribe to The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast for more episodes on parenting with confidence and clarity. L eave a review using the hashtag #ModernMommyDoc.
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