| There
are different ways of managing the home and the choice made will
greatly affect family life. The father and mother should therefore
decide wisely on this matter if they want to raise a happy family
well-provided for in every way possible. These different ways
are influenced by certain factors such as:
- The Philosophy
of the Parents. Some parents believe that that their children
should be allowed to fully enjoy themselves and be spared from
household chores. Children in these families grow into adults
not even knowing how to cook rice or iron a shirt. Other parents,
however, believe in training their children to do household
chores. In such households, children who are still in their
elementary years can already cook and know the basics of keeping
house. An upbringing like this adequately prepares the children
for an independent life later on.
- The Household Budget.
If the household budget allows, a family can purchase food items
and other groceries for a whole week or longer during weekends.
This spares the family members the trouble of having to go to
the market everyday. This also allows the family to plan meals
in advance. Also, a bigger budget may include provisions for
household help. This eases the burden or house chores on the
family. Some families do not hire help but save up for a washing
machine, a floor polisher, or a vacuum cleaner to simplify housework.
- The Resources and
Facilities Available to the Family. When resources and facilities
available to the family are limited, then the activities of
the family members have to be adjusted accordingly. For example,
when some members of the family have to sleep in the living
or dining rooms, then the home manager restricts the entertainment
of visitors in the evenings. Or, if the water supply in the
neighborhood is available only until the early evenings, then
the family members should have cleaned up the kitchen, bathed,
and filled up water containers before the water supply is cut
off.
- The Amount of Time
Parents Can Give in Managing the Home. There are times when
both parents are busy working. In such households, the eldest
child is made responsible for administering matters in the house
based on the policies set by the parents. The child-administrator
supervises the activities of the younger siblings, prepares
meals, takes care of the younger children, and does the laundry.
While the parents are away, the child administrator or guardian
is regarded as the head of the household and should be respected
and obeyed. |
