Special Edition: Modern Motherhood & Making Room for Joy

In this special Mother's Day edition of The NewsWorthy, host Erica Mandi speaks with Dr. Corinne Lowe, an economist and associate professor at the Wharton School, about the hidden pressures of modern motherhood. Drawing on data from the American Time Use Survey, Lowe reveals that women today spend significantly more time on child care and household labor than in past decades—despite men’s increased involvement—due to shifting parenting expectations around homework, emotional engagement, and structured activities. This 'squeeze' of time and responsibility leaves many moms exhausted, even as societal norms still expect them to 'have it all.' Lowe argues that true fulfillment comes not from perfection, but from redefining 'having it all' based on personal values, strategically outsourcing tasks, and prioritizing self-care. She emphasizes that setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s essential for long-term family well-being and gender equity. The episode ends with a powerful call to action: mothers must claim their own joy and time, not as a luxury, but as a necessity for being present, resilient, and fully themselves for their children.