We’re approaching that time of year when digital communication for parents (and let’s be honest, in most households, it’s still mothers) steps up a level.

I’m already bracing myself for the ping of my phone reminding me it’s ‘own clothes’ day at school and to bring a bottle for the Christmas fayre tombola. Also that I need to bring a party plate for the Christmas party, a reminder to pay on ParentPay for film night, Christmas jumper day and the list goes on…..

In a typical week, my phone buzzes constantly:

• Class WhatsApp group for child 1
• Class WhatsApp group for child 2
• Emails and social media updates for swimming
• WhatsApp group for ballet
• WhatsApp group for cheerleading
• WhatsApp group for cricket
• Teachers2Parent school alerts
• School homework system online for child 2
• Class Dojo teacher updates for child 1

Sound familiar? It’s a seemingly never-ending stream of notifications and to-dos. What’s meant to keep me informed and organised often feels like it’s running my life.

The Mental Load of Digital Parenting

Technology is supposed to make life easier, but for many mothers, it does the opposite. A recent cross-national study of over 6,600 parents across 29 countries revealed that mothers bear the brunt of digital communication responsibilities. From managing school updates to coordinating extracurricular activities, the mental load women carry is compounded by the constant connectivity of modern life.

The study found that women are 1.6 times more likely than men to juggle dual-high digital communication workloads at home and work. This “always-on” culture takes a toll, impacting women’s mental health, professional growth, and relationships.

What’s clear is that women are shouldering the digital burden for our families—managing the day-to-day online work of school, activities, and communication—creating an extra layer of responsibility. And as this research highlights, the more mothers take on at home, the less mental bandwidth they have for their professional lives and personal wellbeing.  I’m sure that doesn’t come as a surprise to any of us..

For me, the result of this digital overload is all too clear. The constant switching between WhatsApp notifications and work emails leaves me drained and, quite frankly, frustrated.

Strategies to Mitigate Digital Overload

To alleviate this hidden burden, consider the following approaches:

1. Set Boundaries: Establish specific times for checking and responding to messages. Communicate these boundaries to family members and group participants to manage expectations.
2. Delegate Responsibilities: Share the management of digital communications with partners or older children. Assign specific groups or tasks to distribute the load evenly.
3. Consolidate Platforms: Where possible, streamline communications by using fewer platforms. Encourage activity organisers to adopt unified systems to reduce fragmentation.
4. Practice Digital Detox: Allocate periods free from digital devices to recharge mentally. Engage in activities that do not require screens to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

Talking of digital detoxes – I’ve got to the point that I really don’t like my relationship with my phone. It takes more of my attention than I’d like to admit. And deep down, I know it impacts my relationships—stealing moments that should belong to those who matter most, including myself.

So, I’m doing two things to combat this.

I’m trialling One Sec app to help stop the mindless scrolling that can happen all too easily.  I’ll let you know how the trial goes!

And I’m participating in TechTimeOut Tuesday.

I’m proud to be a TechTimeOut ambassador and in a few weeks, we’re hosting TechTimeOut on Tuesday. 

What is TechTimeOut Tuesday?

TechTimeOut Tuesday, happening on 3rd December, is the UK’s biggest workplace digital wellbeing day. Thousands of businesses across the country are taking part in offline activities to raise awareness about the importance of digital wellbeing.

It’s a simple yet powerful reminder to step away from screens, even just for a little while. It’s not about ditching technology altogether—it’s about reclaiming your time, reconnecting with the people and passions that matter, and breaking free from the constant pull of notifications.

For me, it’s an opportunity to reset and re-evaluate how I use technology. I’ll be using the day to spend some uninterrupted time with my family and take a much-needed break from the relentless pings of my phone.

And if mothers are the ones shouldering the bulk of the digital burden for our families, then we need a TechTimeOut more than most.

A Call to Action

So here’s my challenge to you this TechTimeOut Tuesday:
Take 30 minutes—or longer, if you can—and disconnect. Use that time to go for a walk, have an uninterrupted conversation, read a book, or simply pause and breathe.

Join the movement on Tuesday, 3rd December, and see the difference a little time away from screens can make. Let’s rediscover what it means to be truly present.

Because at the end of the day, the moments we spend truly present—without the distractions of technology—are the ones that matter most.

Are you in?