Dirty Truth About Being a Homemaker

Every household and home is different. Diferent financial standards and expectations. Different role ideas.... (some consider 'gender roles' to be old fashioned...)

In my household... I assume the gender role of female because, I am a female. I was not raised to be a good housewife or mommy. In fact, my mother moved out of state when I was 10 and I lived with my fathe until I was about 13. I lived 'on the streets' my entire adolesence, but that's a whole different story (or several other stories.) Right now, I am 23 1/2 (ha ha, have to throw that 1/2 in) and I am a stepmother to two girls nearly half my age, and a mommy to a 3 3/4 month old baby. I don't leave the house, ever, unless I am going to the store or on a 'drive' over the weekend with the family. So I am a homemaker.

For anyone considering this position, you must know some very important things first. I'll begin with the most obvious, the financial burden.

Money

The homemaker position is financially unrewarding. Your motives for getting out of bed and working everyday are completely different. It is most likely going to change your family's living standards... because one income is barely enough to cut it for one person anymore, let alone a whole family.

But here's my secret. I have trained myself in the art of paying bills. I write down due dates and amounts on the calendar, then I take the same amount of money every payday from my husband. (His entire paycheck minus money for gas and such he needs for the week.)

The last weekend of the month is the hardest, because a majority of our larger bills are due by the 1st of the month. So during the weeks where we have less money going out for bills, I stick what's left over into an envelope and carry it over until we need it.

It is very hard for us, we are living paycheck to paycheck. But this routine has helped us make sure all our bills are paid. If it were not part of my job to pay bills, then my husband would only go on a weekly basis and take out what he needs... and 'splurge' with the rest of his money. The end of the month would throw such a curveball that we'd fall behind all month just trying to catch up.

Cleaning

Wether you want to stay home for the kids, or you are looking for a job and can't find one yet... as long as you are home... taking care of that home is your job. You wouldn't want to come home from a hard day's work to find your unemployed spouse lounging on the couch eating chips while the house is trashed, would you?

Here's my secret for keeping the house clean everyday.

I have a sponge that is attached to a plastic tube wich you can fill with dish soap. I bought it for under $3, and you can buy replacement sponges, or 'splurge' and buy a whole new 'sponge thingy' (I honestly don't know what they should be called...) when it wears down but it should last you anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months. I don't need to fill a sink and wash a whole bunch of dishes... so it doesn't feel like work to quickly wash and rinse a dish here and there as I cook or when we're done eating. I assure you, my sink is always empty, and it's nothing to keep it that way. I don't own a dishwasher machine, nor do I ever want one.

I do sweep and vacuum everyday. I only mop once a week, and I only move furniture to vacuum underneath on an almost monthly basis.

I only dust once a week. (Dryer sheets are great for that!)

I do like those 'Magic Sponges' but if we're 'broke that week', a regular sponge will work just fine to keep countertops wiped down. I try not to waste papertowels on that job... I have a terry cloth rag to dry with that can be washed and re used.

I wash laundry everyday. Afterwards, I will fold my laundry and my husband's laundry and put them away. I leave the children's laundry in an unfolded pile on my bed. They can take care of their own laundry after school. (Except the baby of course.)

All my cleaning is done in under an hour. The key is an all-day-long maintenance of that clean house. That is a breeze.

Childcare

While the older kids are in school, I minly have the baby to look after. He does not like to take naps, but as long as he sleeps through the night I am okay with that. He has toys he plays with and in, including a bouncer, a swing, and a jolly jumper. I don't have to sit and watch him all the time while he plays. I could... but sometimes I use that 'free time' to hop on the computer and pump out an article or five for associated content, because I love this wonderful site! (Hope that helps me win he he, no seriously, I love you guys!)

Sometimes the baby sits on my lap if I'm not done on the computer yet. He likes to (try to at least) help me type. (He usually pushs the wrong keys, he hasn't learned how to spell yet.)

Here's the real kicker... the older kids are super easy. They have homework and chores when they get home. I check their homework, I tell them if something is wrong and I will not tell them how to change it. I let them figure out what is wrong and why. Once their homework is done, if they get their chores done in time they can go outside to play.

After dinner, we will sit down and watch a movie, (or the Simpsons) and then it is time for them to take a shower and get ready for bed. There really isn't much to it.

Cooking

You better believe my cooking habits have developed since I got married! I used to live off anything you cook microwave... especially burritos and pizza. Now, I actually own a crock pot, and I make a kickass (can I say that) home made chili and a pot roast that is so tender it melts in you mouth.

Maybe this isn't a big dirty secret, but I enjoy cooking home made meals. I have so much free time during the day, I actually look forward to pulling together something amazing out of scraps and I have so much fun doing it!

At the same time, when you spend everyday all day in the same setting... you are bound to have 'those days' with less motivation and energy than others. I have also mastered the art of 'ghetto gourmet.' I will share one recipe with you, and only one. The rest you have to learn for yourself.

First, you make a box of macaroni and cheese. When you are mixing in the milk and the butter and the cheese, you also mix in some chili. You have a delicous 'cheesy chili casserole' and it's just that easy.

Also, I will admit I go a step and beyond with the home maker cooking duties. My cookie jar is always full, but I never make cookies from scratch. I buy the premade cookies. You caught me.

Once a week, I will also make a pan of cake or brownies. I just like to have sweets around the house. They're yummy!

TV

There is no secret here, unless you actually think that 'housewives' sit around and watch tv all day. I couldn't stand to do that! I would get so bored! I watch an hour of tv... and that is to watch Passions. (Please sign the petition to keep it on the air! NBC.com!)

So my secret is I don't watch tv all day. I paint, read, write, crochet, make things out of clay... anything to keep me busy if i run out of 'work.' But I do not sit on the couch and watch tv all day. In fact if it weren't for my husband, the satellite cable would go to waste!

Needing a Break

I don't need a break from the kids. I need a break from the house! If I do take the truck when my husband comes home, you better believe the baby comes with me or I'll go nuts. I love spending time with the kids. It's hard to admit, but there is nothing at all I dislike about this job!