From Family Time to Me Time, Here’s How Moms Say They’re Using Music and Podcasts

Mother’s Day is always a special time, yet this year the occasion—and motherhood in general—looks a little different. That’s why Spotify asked more than 3,000 moms in Australia, Canada, and the U.S. how they’re navigating the new normal and how music and podcasts are playing a role. As it turns out, audio content is truly helping moms make the most of family time. 

Of mothers surveyed, 78% have used music to connect with their kids in the past month, while a third say they’ve listened to podcasts with their kids for fun, education, or even as a break from screen time. Case in point: Story Pirates, a podcast featuring stories by kids for kids, has seen a 39% boost in Spotify streams since March. 

That’s not all we found. From dance parties to moments of meditation, here’s how moms are using music and podcasts to get through their days.

Multitasking master

When it comes to multitasking, no one does it quite like moms. A whopping 81% of those surveyed say they’re juggling at least one other task while streaming their favorite music or podcasts. The most popular activities? Chores, cooking, or working out. Looking for something new to stream while multitasking? Check out the “Listening Together” artist-created playlists in our Home Hub to find music for any task.

Movin’ and groovin’

At-home dance parties are the perfect way to shake off stress, get in some exercise, and boogie down with your quarantine cohorts. More than 40% of moms said they’ve started dance parties in the last month on their own or with their families. Our Dance Pop playlist has the hits you need to get the party started.

Can’t get you out of my head

Mom’s genre of choice? For 38% it’s pop, while 14% are rocking out to rock, and 13% are riding off into the sunset with country jams. Plus, since quarantine began, 30% of moms report having a catchy earworm stuck in their heads. Some of those songs include “Savage” by Megan Thee Stallion, “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars,” Adore You” by Harry Styles,” Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran, and “Raise Your Glass” by P!nk!.

Grrrl power 

If you had your very own podcast, who would your dream cohost be? For the moms surveyed, 35% said it would be their own mom, BFF, or grandma. If you’re looking for a parent-child duo for inspiration, check out fashion designer Cynthia Rowley’s show Ageless, cohosted by her daughter Kit.

Dancing on my own 

Yet besides using music and podcasts to spend time with family, many moms are also turning to their favorite music to get some much-needed alone time. More than half of those surveyed said they’re over listening to the content their kids want to listen to—and that they’ve used music to tune out their families. To get away, about a third of moms say they’re escaping to their bedrooms to listen to music or opting for a solo walk. Some moms (34% of respondents) say they’ve hopped in the car to drive to nowhere just to blast a few songs in solitude. If the windows-down, wind-in-your-hair vibe sounds like your thing, we’ve got a playlist just for that. Another option for Spotify Premium Family Plan subscribers is Spotify Kids, which allows children to explore audio with you or on their own—or enjoy kid-friendly audio handpicked for them.

All the feels 

It’s probably no surprise that moms (like many of us) are just taking things one day at a time. According to 67%, that’s how they’ve handled these past few weeks. Meanwhile, 30% described their mood as “frustrated,” another 30% said they were “anxious,” and 35% said they’ve cried along to a song in the last month. At this unprecedented time, it’s important that those who take such good care of their families also take care of themselves. Moms can check out Daily Wellness for a personalized mix of motivational podcasts, and feel-good music can help create a little “me time” in their routines.

Whether they’re singing loud and proud or taking it easy with their favorite chill tracks, one thing’s for sure: Moms are rock stars.

That’s why this Mother’s Day, we created a playlist to celebrate and thank moms for all their hard work year-round. Between enjoying some alone time, cooking for your family, or dancing on your own, the Mother’s Day 2020 playlist has a little something for you.

Stream the Mother’s Day 2020 playlist below and have a happy Mother’s Day!