What does the research say?
According to the Employment Policy Foundation’s Center for Work and Family Balance, nearly 75% of married couples are dual income earning families, many of which have children (Ameristat, 2002). Additionally, this number is expected to increase. As the number of working parents grows, so do the complexities of managing careers, family, and household tasks—resulting in a need for an “all-hands on deck” approach for tackling household chores (Clay, 2005). In addition to the idea of “many hands make for light work”, research actually suggests that there are psychological, physical, and relationship benefits for men, women, and children contributing to the household work (Clay, 2005 & Search Institute, 2007). This finding underlines the importance of having all members of the household contribute to tasks.
Why is it important?
Research suggests that relationship satisfaction is higher when both men and women participate in domestic chores (Clay, 2005). When couples share the household work there is more time to spend together and pursue special interests. Additionally, involving children in age-appropriate domestic chores teaches new skills, leads to a sense of accomplishment, and allows youth to be a household contributor.
How to get started?
Even the best intentions are sometimes difficult to implement without a plan, use the tips below to get your whole family participating in household work:
- · Conduct a family meeting as a way to have a conversation about the tasks that need to be divided and who will be responsible for different tasks. Make sure the family meeting is during a relaxed time and is used for conversation and not lecturing! If met with resistance, remind your family that this will help reduce the time spent on chores and increase leisure time. It may also be helpful to discuss the benefits of having a clean and tidy home.
- · Have a training day! It is essential that everyone understand how to do the task at hand. While it may be tempting to say it is easier to do it yourself, remember that this is still a way to spend time together. By having the whole family pitch in there will be more time together to do the things you really enjoy!
- · Create informational cards with step-by-step instructions for doing the task. Post these cards in a visible a location for easy reference while doing the task for example, above the washing machine. Remember, to also include information about the cleaning supplies needed and where those are located.
- · Create a calendar or schedule for a rotation of tasks including: meal preparation, dishes, cleaning, laundry, yard work, etc. This helps to break the monotony of tasks and encourages new skills. There are many sites offering free printable family chore charts, as well as ideas for homemade schedules. http://spoonful.com/family-fun/creative-chore-charts
- · Remember, that while not all jobs are age-appropriate there are many ways to get younger children safely involved. For example, while your child may not be able to completely prepare a meal he or she can help generate meal plan ideas, assist in preparing a dish, and set the table and clear away dishes.
- · HAVE FUN! Chores can be more entertaining by incorporating music or games. For example, try time boxing chores–set a timer for one hour and see how many things on the list can be accomplished!
References:
http://www.search-institute.org/
Clay, R. (2005). Making families work. American Psychological Association. 36(11), 54.
Written by: Carmen M. Irving, MA
Healthy Relationships Program Specialist
Ohio State University Extension, Family Consumer Sciences
Reviewed by: James S. Bates, PhD.
Field Specialist, Family Wellness
Ohio State University Extension, Family Consumer Sciences
