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Moms' 'mental load' is pushing them to the brink, new survey shows

Laura Trujillo, Veronica Bravo and Carlie Procell USA TODAY
Dec 14, 2025
Dec 14, 2025 Updated Mar 16, 2026

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If you are a mom and you are reading this, you might be in line at Target. Or sitting in a doctor’s office. You may be picking up NyQuil, or double-checking that it isn't an ear infection.

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Illustrations by
Veronica Bravo, USA TODAY

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Dakota Fanning and Sarah Snook portray moms in 'All Her Fault' who grapple with the pressure to do it all – and get blamed when there's a mistake. -- (Photo by: PEACOCK) — Dakota Fanning and Sarah Snook portray moms in 'All Her Fault' who grapple with the pressure to do it all – and get blamed when there's a mistake.
PEACOCK

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Moms' careers and personal time are hit hard by school drop-off demands, poll finds

JEFF McMURRAY and LINLEY SANDERS Associated Press

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Laura Trujillo is a national columnist focusing on health and wellness. She is the author of "Stepping Back from the Ledge: A Daughter's Search for Truth and Renewal," and can be reached at ltrujillo@usatoday.com.