This week’s UpLift feature cracks open a quiet truth: working motherhood isn’t just a balancing act—it’s a survival feat wrapped in invisible tasks, mental load, and a whole lot of love.
Our guest, Kathia Aviles, LMFT, is a therapist, founder, and mom of three who brings lived wisdom and real-world grit to a conversation we’re not having loudly enough.
🧠 The Mental Load Isn’t Imagined
Research shows that mothers manage 71% of household mental load tasks, compared to just 29% for fathers. That includes everything from school forms to sock inventories—and it’s not just tedious, it’s mentally draining. Even in households with supportive partners, this imbalance leads to burnout, resentment, and career strain.
🧩 The Shame Gap Hits Moms Harder
Kathia names the pressure to curate every aspect of motherhood—from how you speak to how you show up at drop-off. And she’s not alone: 87% of working moms say becoming a mother negatively impacted their career, often missing promotions or growth opportunities. Meanwhile, 89% have been asked about their parental status during interviews or reviews, reinforcing the bias that motherhood equals professional liability.
🤐 Dismantling the Joy Mandate
Some parts of motherhood “absolutely don’t bring joy”—and that’s not a failure, it’s a fact. Yet 81% of working moms report burnout from trying to “manage it all” while being the default parent. Kathia’s honesty gives permission to name the hard parts without shame.
⏳ Guilt Doesn’t Get the Final Word
Mom guilt is real—but it doesn’t have to run the show. Kathia models a practice of naming it, doing what she can, and letting the rest go. Whether it’s a 15-minute recharge or deep breaths behind the door, she reframes “balance” as something lived—not perfect.
🔄 When Motherhood Reroutes Your Career
Kathia’s pivot from PhD dreams to entrepreneurship isn’t rare—it’s revolutionary. 90% of mothers adjust their career path due to parenthood, and 59% change industries entirely. Flexibility isn’t a luxury—it’s survival.
🧱 Build Systems That Don’t Burn Parents Out
The U.S. lags far behind Europe in paid leave and family support. And it shows: 50% of working parents are actively seeking more flexible work schedules, while 46% want employer-led programs to reduce burnout. Kathia’s call for compassion isn’t just personal—it’s structural.
💡 Confidence Isn’t Just a Buzzword
Her message lands with clarity: you’re already doing enough. Parenting and professionalism aren’t mutually exclusive, and “good enough” is more than good—it’s sustainable.
This episode isn’t about fixing moms. It’s about fixing the systems that fail them. 📥 Tune in, share widely, and remind your community: strength isn’t silent, and success is ours to define.
