As a full-time working mom, it’s very hard for me to keep up with the household duties. I’ve posted before about the expectations – false no doubt – that I’ve set for myself.
Elizabeth over at Career & Kids touched on the subject recently, when a friend of hers realized there’s not enough time in the week. As she mentions, when you’re working all week, you want to use the weekend to spend time with the family. That is when I’d like to take a trip to the zoo, the park, or sometimes it’s just a matter of the “must” trips – like grocery shopping that needs to be done.
What can working moms do to manage the housework?
I’m not sure I have the answer just yet, but I AM trying something new.
I’ve set up a weekly chore schedule and broken down the housework to a little each day – there’s even a day off!
Here’s my schedule:
- Sunday: clean bathrooms
- Monday: wash laundry
- Tuesday: fold laundry
- Wednesday: sweep & mop
- Thursday: vacuum
- Friday: OFF day
- Saturday: change bed sheets
Plus, every day is de-clutter day, since this can be done simultaneously with the other chores. That means, putting away toys, clearing the day’s mail, and other small tasks. The chores scheduled on the weekend can be done quickly in the morning before heading out for the day. 😉
To keep track of my schedule, I’ve printed out Hannah Keeley’s Total Mom Chore Chart, but any calendar will do.
I’m hoping this will help keep me on track and make things a bit more manageable. I’ve just made my list this week, so I’m only starting to put it into practice.
How do you manage your housework?
Or you could just get your partner, if you are living with one, to help. Why is that if the mom works, everyone assumes she is the only one doing any housework? Last I checked, men had arms
Good point Erica. I did forget to mention that. But, if you have a situation like mine, where he works full-time also, then it’s still hard to manage, since he has the same amount of time as you and the same struggles.
I like the schedule. We have everyone keep their room clean, pick up after themselves and help fold clothes. Little kids can start helping with dishes and laundry at an early age.
Great ideas skycritter!
I try to do a similar thing. I try to do a load of laundry every morning. One in One out. Sundays are usually catch up though. little things but once you start the downward spiral
I actually don’t manage the housework. I leave that to the hubby. I’m the one who keeps our son occupied.
@Maggie: every little bit helps!
@Jenny: that’s great! you’re very lucky!
I’m also lucky – my boyfriend does all of the vaccuming, taking out the trash, and even all of the dishes since I do all of the cooking. Then we take turns with cleaning the bathrooms (once a week) and doing the laundry.
@Taylor, That sounds like a great system. It’s good when you can work together.