Housekeeping (and Other) Tips for Men
Indian men are taking on more non-traditional roles. Don't get left behind; embrace house work and more
Love, compassion and sharing – these three words often come up when one describes a successful relationship. And when it comes to sharing, you need to go beyond just feelings and deal gracefully and fairly with practicalities, such as household chores. So, gentlemen, roll up your sleeves and embrace housework. The first step towards this would be to sit down with your partner and discuss how the two of you can divide responsibilities.
To make things easier, we have listed out the possible areas and tasks where you can pitch in.
To make things easier, we have listed out the possible areas and tasks where you can pitch in.
Take up specific household duties
- If helping out with regular cooking is not something you can manage, you can at least help lay the table everyday before meals and clear up afterwards. See to it that your kids also pick up after themselves. Be their role model. Also, help clean up the kitchen after dinner.
- Commit to certain household duties every week. Do the grocery shopping on Sundays? Perhaps take sole responsibility for the kids’ school project work? Or maybe putting together the kids’ school tiffin every day could be your job?
Don’t add to the work
- Wipe the bathroom floor after you shower; put the toiletries back in place after you use them. Put your towel to dry, do not drop it on the floor or the bed. Do not throw your clothes about the room, hoping someone will pick them up. Put your dirty clothes in the laundry basket.
- Put your shoes back on the shoe rack after you change your footwear.
Update your home tech
Stay on top of maintenance issues
- These days, most bills can be paid online, so set up a systematic plan. It will save time and make life less complicated.
- Take charge of sorting and filing all digital family photos. These pictures are meant to be seen, not hidden away.
- Bring wi-fi connectivity into your home. You will earn tonnes of brownie points. Plus, it will help bring down monthly internet and phone bills.
Stay on top of maintenance issues
- Keep proper track of the servicing dates of the cars, air conditioners, water purifiers and other appliances. Be in charge of getting the servicing done on time.
- Keep an eye out for misbehaving gadgets or things that need fixing. You, not your better half, should have plumbers, electricians, carpenters on your speed dial.
Have a filing system in place
- If you are not already doing it, keep an organised record of all the bills and other finance-related documents. The tax season will be less stressful for both of you.
- Create a clear system of storing and cataloguing your important paperwork and mail. If a policy receipt goes missing, it should not be anyone else’s fault.
- Make sure you ‘spring cleaned’ the home office zone at least twice a year. A big problem with this space is the unnecessary paper clutter that accumulates.
Participate in your child’s life
- Take on the responsibility of helping your children with their school work. Attend PTA meetings regularly so you are clued into your child’s life at school.
- Make more frequent ‘daddy and me’ times by helping them with their bedtime routine. Tuck them into bed and read bedtime stories. I highly recommend this. And not just children’s stories, go ahead and start a classic title with your young ones. When you spend that quality time with them, they will truly enjoy and benefit from it.
Free up her time
- If not on all weekends, then at least twice in a month, free up your partner’s time by taking on the responsibility of the kids. Colour with them, play sports, take them out to explore new places in your city. Spending time doing different activities helps strengthen your bond with them. And your wife can plan some ‘me time’.
- Do the laundry (in the washing machine) once a week – ideally a Saturday – and get the kids to help you.
- Your wife needs a break from cooking duties, so make sure she gets a kitchen-free day once a week. If you are good at cooking, you can put on the chef’s hat once or twice a week; if not, you have the option to eat out or order in.
Step up on special occasions
Read more:
How to Prepare Your Home for Long-Term Guests
7 Tricks to Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh
Tell us:
What chores do you help your wife with? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
- If you are planning to entertain, help her decide the menu, do the shopping and prep the house for the guests.
- On days when the domestic help is on leave, be more proactive in helping your wife finish the tasks around the house.
- If there are certain chores that you know your wife doesn’t like to do, then you take charge of them. My mom hates vegetable shopping so it is my dad who does this every day.
Read more:
How to Prepare Your Home for Long-Term Guests
7 Tricks to Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh
Tell us:
What chores do you help your wife with? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.