Its Friday – I’m doing my chores

Friday is my chore day – and everyone knows it.

I’m no hero, and I’m not looking for a ‘well done’ (I sometimes am) but on Fridays I get my marigolds on, grab the domestic dolly and ask Alexa to put on some tunes volume 8.

But why make such a fuss about Dad doing (some) chores on a Friday?

‘Show and tell’ – is easier than nagging

Nagging only gets you so far. Doing chores on a Fridays means there is routine and the kids know their floor needs to be clear so I can hoover – clever right??

I’m not telling them to ‘clean your room’, I announce “I’m going to be doing my chores”, what translates is:

Is my floor clear so Dad can hoover?
Are there any plates lying around that I need to quickly pick up?
“Dads making a fuss about him cleaning our house.” (this is a quote)

Instilling Work Ethic and Discipline

I’ve been the emotional and shouty Dad, but it’s hard work and the results were questionable.

By focussing on the ‘show and tell’, I’m teaching them by stealth, and it’s working.

I heard my daughter say recently – “It’s Friday tomorrow, I need to do the Guinea pigs before Dad goes on about his chore day”.

That was a winning moment!

He’s a good Dad

I’m very vocal about it being my Chore day. They know I’m going to be elbow deep in their lav, and most probably when they’re trying to brush their teeth – it’s not mums’ job, or woman’s work.

They hear me moan and groan, huffing and puffing as I wipe the shower door, clear the shower tray of empty Lynx bottles and remove the furball from the plug with a loud ‘WHAT THE FEK IS THIS!?’

I do my chores, but they know I’m doing it for us.

I occasionally get a patronising comment – ‘Well done’ as they step over the hoover. I take it with a smile.

They’ve noticed their Dad is active, visible and present. Doing his chores, in order to provide for his family.

Effort equals reward

I love the routine, it’s like the gym. And once done, I feel fab.

I feel at my most relaxed when the house has a whiff of lemon bleach, the lavs have blue swirls, the sinks and surfaces clear, the bins empty and there is no paper, crumbs or hair sticking to my socks.

Once done I’m free to do what I like for the weekend – and I tell them this too.

“I’ve done my chores, I’m off on my bike”

No arguments.

I’m winning – I’ve already won.

Respect – it’s hard earnt and takes time

I promote the fact that I’m doing chores – it builds mutual respect between myself and my children. My kids know I’m here, in this house, doing chores for us, on my day off.

I show them their clean rooms, the clean toilet, and ask if they think I’ve done a good job.

“Well done Dad, keep cleaning.” –

They’re being funny, testing me, but the message is delivered. I’ve been noticed.

ARE FAMILY CHORES NOT JUST A REWARD FOR BEING A DAD?

AI SAID “In many modern families, dads play an active role in household chores and parenting, contributing to the well-being of the entire family. While family chores may not be considered a direct reward, the act of participating in them can create a sense of fulfilment and strengthen the bond between a father and his family. This involvement can also set a positive example for children and help in the overall functioning of the household.”

My top tips to doing household chores.

1. Buy a domestic dolly – A one handled carrier that contains all your materials.

2. Buy yellow/green sponges and Microfiber cloths – it’s all you need.

3. Use Blue bleach – it says ‘Dads been here’.

4. Use CIF (or Jif as I still call it) it works on pretty much everything.

5. Sweep hard floors with a broom rather than hoover – faster/easier.

6. Put bins in bathrooms – they’ll be trained just by adding the bin.

7. Consolidate half bottles of shampoo/conditioners (they’ll never know)

8. Send photos of before and after to the family chat – yes really.

9. Tell everyone you’ve done your chores – they need to know.