In Alice Guimarães’ animated short, “Because Today Is Saturday,” the reality of motherhood comes alive. The story begins at 6 AM, a quiet moment before the chaos of family life erupts. For just a few seconds, the mother enjoys a slice of peace before the day sweeps her along.
Once the family wakes up, her calm disappears. She dives into the daily grind of feeding and chores, her thoughts swirling in a hectic race to keep up. Guimarães skillfully portrays this stream of consciousness, capturing the mother’s mental whirlwind, all set to a catchy song by Gisela Fulla-Silvestre that echoes the repetitiveness of her day.
There’s a brief respite when she sends her children and husband off, and for a moment, her spirit breaks free. Yet, even in this fleeting peace, interruptions from daily life — like stray toys or last-minute requests from her husband — can be overwhelming. These little annoyances pile up and invade her mental space, leaving little room for her own thoughts.
Experts in mental health often discuss the impact of these daily stressors on parents, highlighting a rise in anxiety and stress in modern life. A recent study found that nearly 38% of parents report feeling overwhelmed by the demands on their time and attention. Guimarães’ animation reflects this reality, emphasizing how the burdens of parenting can drain one’s mental energy.
Through her engaging style, Guimarães invites viewers to empathize with the mother’s struggle. The animation not only entertains but also resonates deeply, tapping into shared experiences that many parents face. The constant pull between personal needs and family responsibilities tells a universal story of love, sacrifice, and the quest for balance.
As more people discuss these shared challenges on social media, it’s clear that Guimarães’ work strikes a chord. Parents are sharing their own stories about the day-to-day challenges, creating a larger conversation about mental health and the pressures of modern parenting.
