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They thought they wouldn't fall into the trap of mothers doing more. It happened unnoticed. ‘I only later realized how m
🇳🇱 Netherlands /Energy & Infrastructure

They thought they wouldn't fall into the trap of mothers doing more. It happened unnoticed. ‘I only later realized how much energy that cost’

From NRC Handelsblad · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • A couple's roles shifted significantly after the birth of their first child, with the mother initially taking on more caregiving duties.
  • Through a "reorganization," they have since achieved an equal division of labor in caring for their two young children.
  • The experience highlighted the unseen energy expenditure in caregiving, which became apparent only later.

Marinda Schuiling, 42, and Roland Zwart, 41, from Deventer, found their family dynamic profoundly altered with the arrival of their first child. Initially, they believed they had avoided the common pitfall of mothers disproportionately shouldering childcare responsibilities. However, as time passed, they realized this was not the case.

"It happened unnoticed," Marinda reflects on the shift. "I only later realized how much energy that cost." The unseen labor of caregiving, often falling more heavily on mothers, became a significant factor in their household. This realization prompted a need for change.

Following a substantial "reorganization" within their family structure, Marinda and Roland have successfully established an equal division of care for their two children, who are now 4 and 2 years old. This conscious effort to rebalance responsibilities has led to a more equitable partnership in managing their family's needs.

It happened unnoticed. I only later realized how much energy that cost

— Marinda SchuilingReflecting on the initial shift in responsibilities after the birth of their first child.
About this summary

Originally published by NRC Handelsblad in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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