Millions of parents do the equivalent of an extra day’s work a week because of a ‘mad morning dash’ before they start their jobs.

A new study shows just how many extra hours people put in attempting to finish chores and getting children ready for school before the 9-5 begins.

Research among 2,000 working parents suggested they complete an average of 43 tasks before they even get to the office.

Busy parents do an average of 43 extra tasks before they even get to the office (Picture: Getty)

The daily checklist includes making breakfast and lunch for children, taking them to school, putting a wash on, ironing school clothes, defrosting food for dinner and making a to-do list – for the next day.




Mums and dads also make beds, sort out sports kits, check homework, feed pets and arrange childcare and play dates.

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Most parents questioned said they often felt they had done a day’s work by 11am.

The average school-age parent leaps out of bed at 6.01am to ensure they complete their check lists, according to research.

And a third get up before 5.30am to tackle this gruelling daily domestic routine before they head to work.

The 43 jobs a parent does before work Commuting to work Brushing teeth Getting yourself dressed Making breakfast for the kids Getting the kids to brush their teeth Packing and making your own lunch to take to work Ferrying the kids to school Packing the kids’ school bag Cleaning dishes / packing the dishwasher Putting a washing load on Preparing for any after-school clubs (e.g. packing sports kit) Filling up coffee holder/water bottle Making/eating breakfast Brushing the kids’ hair Searching for misplaced items (e.g. kids’ clothing, homework etc..) Getting the kids up and dressed Getting the kids to finish their homework Packing and making the kids’ school lunch Making the beds Filling out permission slips Wiping surfaces Polishing school/work shoes Feeding the pets Making a to-do list or shopping list for the day Organising medical appointments (doctor/dentist/) or picking up

prescriptions from the pharmacy Arranging childcare Defrosting food for dinner that evening Scrolling through social media Putting away toys Ironing work/school clothes Applying makeup / grooming Folding/putting away clothes Organizing play dates Having a shower/bath Drying/styling hair Checking/responding to emails/messages Paying bills Taking the bin out Exercising / going for a run / to the gym Watering the plants Reading the news/weather Walking the dog Locking up (doors, windows, setting alarm)

All in all, the average parent puts in an additional 10 hours and 15 minutes graft to their week, according to the survey by Kellogg’s.

To be fair, many non-parents also do many of these tasks and some of them are surely optional.

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Leading nutritionist Laura Clark estimates their early morning slog can be equivalent to burning over 300 calories every day.

She added that an estimated 42% of parents end up skipping breakfast most days because they are down the priority list first thing.

While typically still starting their job at 8.59am, researchers found that the morning routine has never been busier for working parents.

The hour between 7am and 8am is when they feel they function most efficiently and are most productive.

Parents do an extra 10 hours of week before even getting to the office (Picture: Getty)

And nowadays mums and dads do not typically leave work until 6pm.

Leading psychologist Dr Becky Spelman called for employers to do more to help working parents.

She said: ‘We’re all feeling the stresses of modern life with the hassles of always-on culture and parental chores adding to the burden of already frazzled parents.

‘As well as ensuring that we all keep our minds and bodies properly nourished and energised, employers offering flexible hours for working parents can be a real help when it comes to managing the work life balance.’

The report was published to mark the launch of new Nutri-Grain snack bars.