Yes, it’s a life skill that’s often overlooked. It’s a complex set of jobs that keep a home running smoothly. Many take it for granted, yet, not everyone can do it.
My mother had a routine. Every morning, she was up early, made herself breakfast and sat at the table and listened to the radio as she ate.
When she was done, she would get her four children up and make them porridge. I can still recall sitting at the table hearing the spoon scrape on the bottom of the pan as she stirred.
Once Mum packed us off to school, the housework began. That started upstairs where she made everyone’s beds. Then she’d hoover, and tidy up and do various other chores.
I never remember our house being messy. Yes, there were toys, clothes, and shoes strewn around at times but it was never dusty or dirty. The fridge was always clean and it was something we took for granted.
It wasn’t until I had my own family that I realised how skilled at it she was. Even though the main difference was my generation also worked full time.
Dome time ago, my husband had a major operation and had to rest for five weeks. Previous to that, in our retirement, we swapped roles. He took responsibility for cooking, shopping and meal planning. I did everything else.
It all became my sole responsibility again. And strangely enough, I enjoyed it. Having the control of the household gave me a feeling of accomplishment, even though it was a lot more tiring than it once was.
It made me think about the skill we gave without thinking about it. Luckily, I don’t have to juggle it with going out to work anymore.
Full time workers with families have to be highly skilled to be able to do everything they need and run a home.
They plan meals, shop for the ingredients and cook them. Balanced diets are essential to keep everyone healthy, although it doesn’t always happen as everyone loves a takeaway.
Keeping up with laundry and making sure everyone has clothes to wear. Anticipating the weather and not relying on the drier too much. I don’t iron anymore, but used to. Oh that ironing pile! I remember it well.
Cleaning all the rooms. Hoovering, dusting, polishing. Tidying. Emptying the bins, mopping to floor and numerous other chores too long to list.
When they were thirteen I taught my children how to use the washing machine. It helped by making them responsible for their own clothes.
Most modern families, husbands and partners play their role and that easies the responsibility from one person.
Either way, it’s a skill to get a balance if you want a clean and tidy home.
Who is the person that takes responsibility to clear up the mess beside the door, that everyone else happily walks around?
Who is the one that empties the bins when everyone else is keeps cramming it in?
It’s an art, a balancing skill to run an efficient household and these days other family members get involved in the chores too.
As I said at the beginning, it’s a skill to manage and is often overlooked. Well done to all those who silently carry on with jobs that no one thinks about.
World of Stories 