Life is always exciting when a young couple marries and decides exactly WHO will do the housework, laundry, shopping, cut the grass if they're lucky enough to own property, take care of car maintenance! When I was growing up in the 50's, life was simple: Mom and I had total responsibility for the house. The boys and dad never, I mean NEVER lifted a finger inside. But Mom stayed and home and things ran perfectly. The house was always in good shape.
Dad and the boys took care of the yard. In the fall, however, Mom and I helped with the daily raking of leaves. Dad was the only one who did any work on the car. At that time, you would drive into the gas station and a gentleman would immediately come out, pump your gas, and wash the car windows. How many remember those years?
These days, life is not so simple and clear-cut. Especially if mom also has a paying job outside her home, she needs help with housework! Yet many magazine surveys report that, on average, a woman married, with children, even if she has a job, does approximately 15 hours more housework per week than the man of the house. This is really too bad! I know many women exhausting themselves trying to do all and be all!
In one of the happiest and most successful marriages I've known, both wife and husband share in housework, shopping, earning money, and in childcare. One time, I came over to their house in the evening. The dad had washed the hair of one of their young daughters and was combing it out with a big grin on his face. It might require more negotiating - and, more love - to help each other in all things, but it is SO worth it!
The wise couple will discuss housework options before marriage.
Dear Lord, we thank you for all the happily married couples we know. Help them be shining examples to the young folks struggling to negotiate their compatibility!
No comments:
Post a Comment