US moms don't get enough self care, research says — here's why
A third of Americans say their mom doesn't get enough self-care, according to new research.
A survey of 2,000 adults found that of those who are in contact with their mom, 33% worry that they don't spend enough time on themselves.
Seven in 10 respondents worry that moms have too much on their plates these days, resulting in self-care falling to the wayside.
8 A third of Americans say their mom doesn't get enough self-care, according to new research.
Nicholas Felix/peopleimages.com – stock.adobe.com
The survey conducted by Talker Research for Woodhouse Spas found that knowing how much the moms in their life do, 67% of the respondents agree that their mom spends too much time worrying about everyone else.
Whether a mom, aunt, grandmother, or other matronly figure, the average person admits that they show the moms in their life that they appreciate them less than twice a month, through spending time with them (31%), loving words (21%), or other love languages.
Still, nearly a quarter admit that they don't call their mom enough (22%).
8 A survey of 2,000 adults found that of those who are in contact with their mom, 33% worry that they don't spend enough time on themselves.
SWNS
On average, those surveyed speak to their mom once a week, and a majority of these respondents admit they can't go a week without talking to them (78%).
Those who are in contact with their mom said they feel close to her when making her laugh (28%), having heartfelt conversations (25%), or relaxing and unwinding with her (11%).
Two in three Americans who speak to their mom claim to know her better than anyone else in her life (68%), sharing some favorite memories like 'walking in the park in the summertime,' going to 'cultural festivals,' or spending 'family game night at her house.'
8 Still, nearly a quarter admit that they don't call their mom enough.
SWNS
Those surveyed recognize the importance of slowing down, though: Nine in 10 believe that self-care should be a high priority for moms (88%).
'The study shows that the moms in our lives need some self-care,' said Ben Jones, chief executive officer of Radiance Holdings, the parent company of Woodhouse Spas. 'I think of my own wife, who amazes me with the way she handles her work, family, and everything in between. We can help, since the spa experience is the perfect respite for busy moms, from calming massages to refreshing facials to manicures and pedicures. We're all about giving moms a chance to relax, recharge, and feel like themselves again.'
Forty-four percent have the self-care talk at least once a week, trying to convince the moms in their lives to put themselves first.
8 Seven in 10 respondents worry that moms have too much on their plates these days, resulting in self-care falling to the wayside.
SWNS
Interestingly, the percentage of respondents who said that the moms they know embrace the need for self-care was the same as that of those who know moms who are more modest about that need.
Self-care is becoming more of a priority with younger generations. Gen Z (57%) and millennials (45%) know moms who recognize the need for self-care, while Gen X (41%) and baby boomers (46%) know more moms who are modest about it.
If they could build their own 'self-care day' for the moms they know, respondents would ensure moms are feeling pampered by treating them to getting their hair done (28%) or a relaxing massage (23%).
8 Those surveyed recognize the importance of slowing down, though: Nine in 10 believe that self-care should be a high priority for moms.
SWNS
Respondents also want moms to feel seen with acts of service like having someone cook for them (32%) or allowing them alone time to go for a walk (23%), or spending time on their hobby (21%).
How does this compare to what moms themselves would want? Of the moms surveyed, results found that sleeping in is their number one desire (37%).
Others would enjoy pampering services like getting their hair done (36%), getting a massage (31%), and getting their nails done (29%). In fact, a third of moms would rather have a solo spa day than spend it with anyone else (34%).
8 Nearly a third of moms admit that they feel like their loved ones don't appreciate them enough, and would prefer more quality time and appreciative words.
peopleimages.com – stock.adobe.com
Acts of solitude are also high on moms' lists, like listening to music (32%), going for a walk (27%), or reading (26%).
Of those surveyed who are moms, 39% get less than an hour of time to themselves every day.
The average mom polled has felt burnt out five times within the past three months alone, and 36% have felt this way more often.
Nearly a third of moms admit that they feel like their loved ones don't appreciate them enough (30%), and would prefer more quality time (29%) and appreciative words (28%).
8 Of those surveyed who are moms, 39% get less than an hour of time to themselves every day.
SWNS
'This study shines a light on the overlooked need for moms to prioritize themselves, setting the stage for a larger conversation about why self-care isn't just a luxury — it's a necessity,' said Jones.
FAVORITE MEMORIES OF MOM
'Getting us girls ready for our dance recitals every year when we were young.'
'Going trick or treating every year on Halloween with her.'
'Seeing her recover from cancer.'
'Walking in the park in the summertime.'
'When we spent the day baking cookies together and laughing at how messy we made the kitchen.'
'Family game night at her house is always amazing.'
'Her sitting outside of the house on a step, and my dog spontaneously licking her when she least expected it.'
'First time I drew/sketched my first drawing and she showed my work off to everyone, including strangers.'
'I scared her by saying 'boo' sarcastically in the dark.'
'She would take us to a lot of cultural festivals when we were little, and I remember one time going to a Chinese cultural festival and she got me a really beautiful bracelet that I still have.'
WHAT WOULD THE PERFECT SELF-CARE DAY FOR MOM LOOK LIKE?
8 37% of respondents said that sleeping in is the best way moms prefer to spend self-care time.
SWNS
Sleeping in — 37% Getting my hair done — 36% Having someone else cook for me — 35% Listening to music — 32% Getting a massage — 31% Getting my nails done — 29% Going for a walk — 27% Reading — 26% Catching up on my favorite shows/movies — 26% Taking a long bath — 25%
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans; the survey was commissioned by Woodhouse Spas and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between March 6 and March 10, 2025.
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