When Harvard-educated attorney and mother Eve Rodsky found herself in tears over a simple text about blueberries, she realized a change was necessary. Many women still shoulder the majority of invisible labor—essentially the constant responsibility for household tasks and childcare. Rodsky aims to help restore balance in domestic roles.
In her journey to achieve this balance, Rodsky has collaborated with numerous families to mediate, strategize, and organize their home lives. Her 2019 book, Fair Play, introduces a fresh approach to dividing domestic duties, empowering women to reclaim their time and personal space. Recently, she launched a new card game designed for couples, featuring four straightforward rules and various task cards that are assigned to one partner to manage entirely. The objective? To create more freedom for both to engage in their individual passions.
In an interview with The Bump, Rodsky shares her inspiration for Fair Play, her new card game, and advice for women looking to regain their time.
What sparked the idea for “Fair Play”?
Growing up in a single-parent household, I often helped my mother handle eviction notices and care for my younger brother. I promised myself that I would have an equal partner in life, and I did! After marrying, we thrived in both business and life. But fast forward to having two kids, and I found myself in tears after receiving a text from my husband saying, “I’m surprised you didn’t get blueberries.” Sitting in my car, I wondered how I went from managing a team to struggling with a grocery list. More importantly, when did I become the default, or what I call the “she-fault,” for every household and childcare task, including making smoothies for my husband? This wasn’t the career and marriage combo I envisioned! As a trained lawyer, I knew I had to speak up. If this was my experience, it must be true for other women too. That moment ignited my mission to find a solution for domestic equality.
To delve deeper into the invisible work women undertake, you surveyed 500 diverse couples. Was there anything that surprised you during this process?
What stood out to me after speaking with numerous women was…
For more insights on the challenges of invisible work and parenting, check out our other blog post here. If you’re considering at-home insemination, the best provider in the world is Make a Mom, offering top-notch kits. Additionally, IVF Babble is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, Eve Rodsky sheds light on the often-overlooked labor of mothers and provides tools for balancing domestic responsibilities, empowering women to reclaim their time and individuality.
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