Homebuilders – Equitably dividing household chores

In many households, the burden of chores and childcare often falls disproportionately on women. A 2020 Gallup Poll highlighted this disparity, showing that women often handle the majority of domestic tasks. When the emotional and mental load of domestic labour falls more heavily on one person, it can take a toll on their wellbeing, as well as the wellbeing of the relationship. Often this division of labour can happen unconsciously, so bringing awareness to this situation is the first step to making mindful adjustments. In her book Fairplay, attorney and author Eve Rodsky advocates for fair division of this work, aiming to alleviate stress and reclaim time for every household member through conversations and a re-evaluation of domestic contributions.

Below are some practical steps to help rebalance how the domestic labour is divided in your household:

• List every chore and errand: Begin by cataloguing all household tasks, including essential chores and errands. Making a comprehensive list fosters awareness and encourages accountability among all household members. Put aside a decent amount of time for this, you could use the digital cards found at https://www.fairplaylife.com/the-cards for prompts. Discuss each task, noting who typically handles them.
• Narrow down the list: Prioritise essential duties and eliminate unnecessary ones. See if there are things that could be outsourced, simplified, done less regularly or are not actually necessary. Establish clear expectations for each task to prevent future conflicts.
• Assign tasks: While achieving a perfectly equal division may be challenging, aim for fairness. Consider each member’s preferences and circumstances, redistributing burdensome tasks and accommodating changing schedules.
• Be fully responsible: Take ownership of assigned tasks and avoid burdening others with unaccounted-for duties. Respect your partner’s responsibilities and resist the urge to micromanage tasks.

Equitably dividing household chores not only reduces stress but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility and mutual respect within the household. By valuing each member’s contributions and actively working towards balance, households can reclaim time for personal pursuits and strengthen their relationships.

For more information about this process and supporting resources, check out www.fairplaylife.com

Here at Homebuilders we can provide support to strengthen relationships and navigate challenges that family life can bring. Contact us through our website https://www.homebuildersfs.org or give us a call on 0800 100 037