The Parenting for Faith podcast

S13E11: The Mental Load (Anna Shaw)

6 snips
Nov 25, 2025
Join Anna Shaw, a dedicated teacher and vicar's wife, as she delves into the mental load many parents face today. She discusses how this overwhelm affects discipleship and offers practical strategies like weekly admin meetings to lighten the burden. Anna emphasizes the importance of modeling problem-solving for children, guiding them in how to bring change in broken systems. Discover the power of daily quiet time and the value of community support in tackling these challenges together.
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ANECDOTE

Many Hats Inform Her View

  • Anna Shaw describes juggling roles as a teacher, CPAS worker, vicar's wife, and a mum of three.
  • Her varied experience shapes her practical insights into school and church engagement.
INSIGHT

Mental Load Hides As Busyness

  • Mental load, distinct from busyness, is the hidden barrier that prevents parents from engaging in school and church life.
  • Parents often attend physically but mental load stops them acting on simple opportunities for discipleship.
ADVICE

Schedule A Weekly Admin Slot

  • Hold a weekly admin meeting to transfer scattered mental tasks into one scheduled slot.
  • Use a separate phone list for topics to discuss so immediate interruptions can wait until the meeting.
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