Key Points:

The "invisible load" involves the mental and emotional planning needed to keep a family running smoothly, disproportionately handled by mothers.
When recognised and verbalised, this load can be redistributed among the family, easing stress and fostering a more collaborative environment.
Collett emphasises how engaging teens in managing this load fosters their independence and reduces pressure on parents.
Small, strategic changes in task sharing can significantly lighten the invisible load, benefiting partners, parents, and teens alike.
Regular family meetings and the use of digital tools can help make the distribution of mental tasks more visible and equitable.

Notable Quotes:

"The mental load is what the air traffic controller does…constantly monitoring all the aircrafts, anticipating possible conflicts."
"When the invisible becomes visible, it's much easier to share."
"Our teens don't need us to manage everything; giving them responsibility can actually help them grow."
"No one feels alone in holding it all when the invisible load is shared."
"This isn't about withdrawing our care from our families…it's about adjusting as our family needs change."

Resources:

Connect with Collett Smart via her Instagram and Facebook for ongoing support and insights.

Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team.

Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice.

Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook.

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Invisible Mental Load: Why You're Exhausted Raising Teens