Blow-dry hair and dress kids for bed. Help each child with homework. Tuck children into bed. Then, and only then, can mom turn her attention toward paying bills, mending what's broken, washing dishes and clothes, or cleaning the house. Of course, she would probably love to walk the dog or run errands while the kids sleep, but she cannot leave them home alone.
Many women report feeling overwhelmed, angry, and depressed.
Having young children, no extended family nearby, money problems, or significant conflict with the ex-spouse can intensify such feelings. Wolchik is an ASU psychologist who studies such realities. She has designed a program that seems to help. The more unhappy, unstable, and distant the kids, the less likely the custodial mom will function effectively. Likewise, the less functional the mom, the more unhappy, unstable, and distant the kids become.