Unraveling the Mystery of 'Mom Rage': The Underlying Causes and Prevalence Among Parents

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Oct 24, 06:49 pm

Photo: (Photo : Claudia Wolff on Unsplash)

In the landscape of modern parenting, there exists a sentiment that mothers, as the primary caregivers, are expected to be unwavering paragons of patience, love, and understanding. But Minna Dubin, an accomplished writer and mother of two, dared to challenge this narrative.
She experienced bouts of uncontrollable anger towards her 3-year-old child, a feeling that many mothers secretly grapple with but seldom vocalize.
Her journey of introspection led her to write an evocative essay for The New York Times in 2019, aptly titled "The Rage Mothers Don't Talk About." This piece, which touched on the concealed anger that many mothers feel but rarely discuss openly, struck a chord with readers around the world, going viral almost instantly.

The Multi-Faced Nature of "Mom Rage"

At first glance, an incident that triggers "mom rage" might seem trivial to an outsider. Maybe a toddler spills a snack in the grocery store, or perhaps there's a tantrum in public. To the casual observer, the mother's subsequent outburst might appear as an overreaction.
However, what remains unseen are the myriad pressures and stresses she's facing. It could be sleep deprivation from the baby waking up at odd hours, the burden of managing household chores, or perhaps the emotional strain from a partner who isn't sharing in the parenting responsibilities equally. All these challenges accumulate over time, laying the groundwork for "mom rage."

Through her in-depth research, which included interviewing 50 women who self-identified with this emotion, Dubin crafted a definition of "mom rage."
She described it as "an intense, uncontrollable anger felt by mothers, originating from the insurmountable expectations of modern motherhood and compounded by the glaring lack of support from society and often within family units."

This anger doesn't emerge out of the blue. It follows a predictable cycle. Mothers often begin their parenting journey with the aspiration of flawlessness, only to be confronted with small but persistent frustrations and annoyances.
Over time, these suppressed feelings grow in magnitude until they burst forth in a fit of rage, subsequently leading to feelings of guilt and a desire for reconciliation.

While the ultimate solution to mitigating "mom rage" might involve systemic societal changes, such as introducing universal childcare and offering extended, inclusive family leave policies, Dubin believes that immediate relief can be found in simpler measures.
Fostering open communication with partners, re-evaluating the distribution of household and caregiving duties, and making conscious efforts to understand and address emotional triggers can provide significant relief.

A noteworthy point Dubin raises pertains to the often overlooked emotional labor associated with household tasks. Preparing a meal, for instance, isn't merely about cooking. It involves planning the menu, shopping for ingredients, setting the table, and cleaning up afterward. True partnership means sharing these responsibilities holistically.

Contrasting "Dad Rage" with "Mom Rage"

One of the thought-provoking aspects Dubin touches upon is the dichotomy between "mom rage" and "dad rage." While anger is a fundamental human emotion, societal norms and gender expectations differentiate the repercussions for men and women.
In many cultural contexts, a man's anger can be perceived as a sign of authority or dominance. In contrast, an angry woman, especially a mother, is often seen as unstable or incapable. Such biases deepen the chasm between the two experiences.

To genuinely address the underpinnings of "mom rage," there's a pressing need to both recognize and respect the exhaustive emotional labor that mothers consistently undertake. This starts with significant policy reforms that prioritize the well-being of parents. As Dubin emphasizes, universal childcare and comprehensive family leave policies would provide much-needed relief and support.

In essence, Minna Dubin's exploration of "mom rage" offers society a mirror, reflecting the need to understand, value, and support mothers as they navigate the complex maze of modern parenting. Only with concerted effort and understanding can we hope to foster an environment where every member, especially the mothers, feels seen, heard, and valued.