Stay-at-home moms, have you ever wondered what to do before your husband gets home?
Stay-at-home moms, you know the situation all-too well. You’re home with your children all day long and life just happens.
You change diapers. You get breakfast and lunch. You get the mail. You try to complete a load of laundry. You kiss boo-boos and read stories and retrieve out-of-reach toys and comfort wailing sobs and clean a whole bunch of spit-up.
Before you know it, you look at the clock and your husband should be on his way home.
Once he gets home, he’ll ask the same polite questions as every day: How was your day? What did you do?
You’ll look around, see your disaster of a house, think that you accomplished a whole bunch of nothing … and you won’t know how to answer.
- Even though your husband knows how horrid your child’s temper tantrums are, calming a meltdown doesn’t exactly sound like much of an accomplishment. (Trust me, though, it IS.)
- Grocery shopping may be a huge triumph – especially if you’re taking your young children along with you! – and that, along with naptimes and feedings, is truly the biggest part of your day. But it doesn’t sound like much. (It IS a big part!)
- And you may be ecstatic that your potty-training toddler only had two accidents today. (That IS something to celebrate!) But no one else is quite as excited as you.
Those things don’t always feel like much, in the grand “what did you do” scope of your day. Even though they truly are much in the life of a mother. (And in the lives of your children!) Even though your husband truly appreciates what you do for your family.
Appearing like you’re getting something done
To create the appearance that you did get something done around the house during your day – and to create a haven for your husband, yourself and your children – I have a suggestion that’s worked for me in my home.
All morning long, as my children play and learn and just enjoy being kids, we have a great time together – and we don’t care about what our house looks like. If toys and crafts and books are all scattered, it’s OK.
BUT. (And this is a big but.) After lunch, before it’s time for resting, we all stop and clean up. We know my husband is in a much better mood if he comes home after a long day of work to a clean house. (Total house of chaos? Totally out-of-sorts husband.) And I’m in a much better mood if my house is picked up.
After years spent focusing on my babies and work-at-home job and leaving the house looking as frazzled as I felt, I realized the very quick clean-up was a practical way to show my husband I was thinking of him and that I appreciate him (because I do).
Plus, by tidying up, I ended up appreciating our home more, instead of wanting to scream over how rough my day was. Bonus.
By doing a quick clean together, I’m able to teach my children how to pick up after themselves. Our house is picked up once everyone settles down for an afternoon rest. And it stays picked up. (If we haven’t finished it all together, I quickly finish.)
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- I make sure lunch dishes are washed.
- I make sure the mail is sorted and on the table. (By pitching junk mail as soon as it comes in my house, it helps cut back on paper clutter.)
- I make sure baskets of clean laundry – even if they’re not folded – are taken to my bedroom to be folded and put away later.
When my husband comes home, I want him to see a clean kitchen, clean living room, and clean dining room. It’s what I would love to see if I came home after a long day of work. The floors may not be swept, and the windows aren’t sparkling clean, but the clutter is gone. Everything looks put together.
It looks like I’ve accomplished something in my day.
If my husband gets home a little later than usual, I have already started supper for our usual dinnertime. If he’s on time, he likes to do the cooking. (I like that, too!)
One of my secrets to success
In order to do this and to keep my sanity – and a clean home – with young children after naptime, I use the TV as a babysitter.
Our children’s daily screentime is after their afternoon rest – that’s it. It helps to keep our home clean and it gives me some quiet time to work in the kitchen. When I’ve tried to get dinner ready without it, I end up having to break up arguments and wrangle my kiddos.
Is televised babysitting ideal? Of course not. But after trying different alternatives, I’ve found that it works well for my family.
Creating a peaceful atmosphere
With my picked up house and supper preparation, I’ve stopped feeling guilty when my husband comes home and asks about my day. I may have faced the same challenges as usual, but instead of looking like I got absolutely nothing accomplished, I look and feel like I did something – even if it was only dishes and a quick clean-up.
Plus, by doing a quick clean-up of a few rooms before my husband gets home, I’m able to add a peaceful atmosphere while showing my husband my love in an incredibly tangible and practical way.
I figured out my husband’s preference of a clean house after years of watching him stress out in messes. I could have (and should have) known it much sooner if I would’ve just asked him.
A clean house may not be important to your husband, though. To figure out what your husband does prefer, not just in your home but in general, I think you’ll love my (free!) challenge, 7 Days to Understanding Your Husband Better.
I’m curious … if you’re a stay-at-home mom, how have you decided what to do before your husband gets home?
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Lydia purple says
I do the same thing, a quick clean up of the living area and kitchen… But my husband has a super flexible work schedule, so I never know when he comes home. But I try to pick up before supper and that seems to work out well… A couple weeks ago we had a bunch of friends over so between 6 kids under 6 they turned the house upside down in 20 minutes and my husband came in unexpectedly and he was confused. So I took it as a compliment, because the house looks like this almost every day at some point but he is not used to see it like that :)
Hilary says
:)
Michele says
One thing I try to do is have fresh flowers on the table or kitchen island on Friday just for the weekend. Just the $5 bouquet.
Susie says
Exactly! When our children were little, I made it a point to involve them in picking up the clutter before “Daddy” gets home. This way my husband can relax when he comes home. One day I made it a point NOT to pick up the house and the look on his face was priceless.
Dolly says
Loved the tips! I love when my Husband walks through the door and says, “This place smells great!” or “Wow! It looks awesome in here!” rather than, “So what did you do today?” lol! I’m always looking to put a smile on his face when he first walks in rather than open-mouthed horror, so I loved reading this today! I’m gonna go pick up some clutter before he walks in the door! :-D
Hilary says
Isn’t it so much better to see our husbands walk through the door smiling … and all because we spent a little time tidying up!?
Sandra Godette says
Well I have a home daycare that takes over the basement of my home. I have always been organized and it amaze my parents when they pick up their kids that my house is so nest n organized. I believe in and this has always been my stance that when your done with it, put it away. I do admit that from time to time it gets a little messy but timing and organization is everything. When the kiddies go down for a nap I will wash the dishes n tidy up the toys n on assigned days I will do some laundry. In my case my husbands loves to cook. His day ends around 3:00 p.m. When he comes in he starts dinner. It’s teamwork as well. Have you ever notice that on tv all houses are so clean and it makes you feel that everyone should be so neat. Yes in TvLand or in my case, I fell I have OCB.
Ashley Kidd says
This really spoke to me. To often I am running around all day cleaning up behind my kids when I should really sit down and play with them. I will start to implement clean up time between 4 to 5 where the house is clean when my husband gets home. Plus an hour of central cleaning is probably better than cleaning all day endlessly and getting nothing accomplished. One thing that I am starting to implement when my husband comes home is playing worship music in the background. This really helps set the tone of the atmosphere in my house for the evening.
Marsha says
Ooh! Good tip!
Jessica R. says
Some good tips, thank you! Some of this sounds like what I have done on occasion, but should make a habit of. I sometimes–read “not as much as I should”–try to get dressed in nicer clothes aka an outfit that is not stained or just comfy-frumpy, and fix my hair. It helps me feel better and, from what he has said, he appreciates it too.
Thanks again!
Hilary says
I love how you make a point of dressing in nicer clothes and fixing your hair. That can make a big difference! On some of my rougher days when I don’t have a chance to get ready in the morning, I make sure to hop in the shower by the time my husband comes home. :)
Breony Penna says
Job I do every day as a home maker before hubby gets home, empty, dishwasher wash morning dishes by hand if I bake everyone a treat for afternoon tea.
I put on a load of washing hand it in or out depending on the weather.
I study on Monday and Wednesdays when my youngest is at 4 year old kinder.
I clean the entire house properly on a Tuesday when oldest is at school and youngest is watching the i pad. I let him help if he wants to help vacuum.
I cook home prepared meals from scratch on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Friday night I get a night of cooking and we have take away.
On Mondays and Wednesdays we have left overs from the freezer something I prepared on the weekend and made a double portion of previously.
I do dress up even to do school drop off and pick ups so I look like I may have gone to work today.
I love to wear perfume every day. I keep make up for days of the week I go to work.
I do the same as the lady in the article. I do clean up once a day before hubby gets home the kids toy area.
When they were both home and younger I would make them do it with me.
I always get up 15 mins to 30 mins before my kids to have a daily shower and breakfast in peace.
.
Hilda says
Reading your comments have inspired me like I can do this. It’s the self motivation I need. I feel I find my self complaining to much and less enjoying our boys they are older no toddlers, 15&14 years sometimes I feel like my husband doesn’t care much, but I know he does we need to work on it communication. I feel like blah oh well he doesn’t help. When he walks through the door and says what’s for dinner after I just got home from work, I want to be a loving wife but times i just feel like uuuugh!
Gabriela says
Yes the TV entertainment for kids is a problem. I suggest to download lots of kid series. Most of them are many seasons with 10 minutes episodes. Maybe instead of commercials they could do some other activity and then watch another episode or another kid series. I really really love Steven universe, clarence, gravity falls, adventure time (most of them are from cartoon network). I hope you check it out. Blessings
Hilary says
We have a rule to either stick to PBS Kids or watch DVDs we’ve borrowed from the library … I love that they can learn, be entertained, and not be exposed to commercials!
Amy says
We got rid of cable so watch “tv” using our antenna for basic channels and recently got a fire stick so we can now access PBS and Disney Junior by the episode commercial free any time of day in our living room which has been such a blessing. My 3 year old gets to watch cartoons while having breakfast before preschool and then again in the late afternoon before Daddy gets home so I can clean and get dinner ready. :)
N says
I agree, we avoid commercials like the plague they are!
Taylor says
I love what I feel is at the basis of this article- a mutual respect for each other as spouses and partners. I always do a quick clean before my husband comes home, and he does the same for me when I am away. We tend to our home as partners.
Right now, I am in graduate school and an intern, and he is doing 100% of the providing. In turn, I do the “small things” that allow the house to be super peaceful when he gets home. It’s a trade off.
Congratulations for finding what worked for your marriage! It is a difficult thing to do but once you find the right groove, it makes the world of difference.
ashleylynnobrien says
I love this! I will have to implement this! Something I always do before my husband comes home is freshen up. I’ll change out of spit up clothes, take my hair out of a messy bun, and put on some make up. I know he will love me always, but it matters to me that I look good for him. I always have dinner ready, as well.
Candle in the Night says
I really appreciated this…the ideas, and how real you are. I also use the TV (Netflix for us) as a babysitter on a regular basis and I appreciate knowing I’m not alone! I really appreciate your honesty and the encouragement. :)
Hilary says
Thanks so much!
Amy says
It really is so much better than when I was younger. The children are not only entertained but are learning shapes and colors and letters and how to treat others and even are prompted to get up and follow along with a physical activity! :)
Amber says
I periodically ask my husband what 3 things HE would like to have tidy when he gets home. After years of stressing over getting the dishes done before he gets home, I found out he is much more concerned with the entry way being swept clean and shoes off the floor. Shock to me! But his desires change from time to time, as does our living location, so I do check in now and again to see what new items bring him the most peace after a long day.
Hilary says
How funny about the entry way! Good thing you checked to see what he’d rather you spend your time on! :) I love that you’re willing to see what would bring him the most peace … and I’m sure your husband loves your caring thoughtfulness, too.
Kelly S says
This sounds a lot like what I do – affirming that I’m on the right track! :)
I also try to just do playtime in the morning, without focusing much on housework. Lately, I’ve been told to “take it easy” for twin pregnancy so honestly, in the afternoon I don’t do much housework either. ;)
We also save TV for after rest time, usually after our afternoon snack around 3pm. My 16 month old still won’t sit and watch TV much (especially since we don’t have an actual TV so she just wants to swipe at the computer/iPad), but it does help my older daughter to have that alone time and I don’t have to focus on her quite so much. We also do mostly the PBS Kids app or DVDs, or a few shows on Netflix.
My husband is usually home at 5:15 and usually the 4:00 time onward can be my hardest time of day. But, we’ve fallen into a pretty good system where at 4:00 we stop what we’re doing (or pause TV if my daughter is still watching – she gets 1-3 shows a day depending on how well she did with cooperating at rest time). We go on a quick walk to check our mailbox and maybe walk to the end of the block, so it’s usually about 4:30 when we get home. I’ll get the kids to help me clean up (which is mostly me cleaning up, but at least they’re not getting anything out new) and then I start dinner while they watch an iPad show – this is the one time of day where I actually strap my 1 year old into her high chair so she’ll watch for 20 minutes or so while I prepare dinner.
I do know that my husband really does appreciate when the house is tidied up and dinner is almost ready, so I try to focus on those. We put our kids to bed pretty early, so if those aren’t done, we end up delaying bedtime, and it throws off the whole evening.
The one last thing I try to do is to prepare myself mentally and to greet him with a hug and a kiss at the door. I actually write this into my to-do list. :) Not that I don’t want to – just that it can be easy to get preoccupied. Our door is generally locked and he always knocks, so that helps, as it gives me an “excuse” to go to the door and focus on him, rather than just focusing on finishing dinner/chores/etc.
Of course, some days it’s not like this – I might be too tired or have a headache or something – but those are the goals!!
Dawne says
Honestly? I always try to keep the house picked up, laundry in check and kids relatively clean, but my solution to “What did you do today?” in a tone that conveys that I did not do “anything” was to leave him with the kids for 7 hours on a Saturday. When I returned, I asked him if a tornado hit. He then proceeded to compliment my ability to keep the house from being demolished each and every day, and still (usually) manage to get dinner on the table.
Hilary says
:)
Stella says
Dawne, Well said and well done!!
Ben says
This article is one I’d expect to find in the library archives dated August, 1950. Being a husband, and soon to be parent, under no circumstance will I ever expect my wife to go above and beyond to please me. I know and trust my wife that she is using her time through out the day to be productive. If she doesn’t have time to clean up before I get home then I will clean up and take care of the kids and give her a break.
Mom Not Maid says
Thank you Ben! I too thought this was an outdated article and waited for the “PSYCH!!!!!” at the end. Picking up the house is great, but doing it to please your husband so he has peace when he comes home – come on now…
Pascale says
Are we in 2016 ???
Harry Potter Mom says
It’s a sign of the times, indeed, that a simple post about doing something because your spouse will appreciate it is scorned and considered dated by so many. Divorce, however, is a modern trend.
Mother Theresa said, “Do small things with great love.” My husband understands how busy I am, but cleaning to show him appreciation gives me added incentive and makes me happier to do housework, too.
summer says
I know my comment is late but omg… nasty comments. She is a SAHM and her job is to take care of the children and the home.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to please her husband…and create more harmony with having a tidy home.
It’s not old fashioned and doesn’t make her any lesser. I truly do think that having one parent stay home at least part time is the best thing for the children and a marriage. More families should be so lucky!
ReallyBrandi says
Did you go out of your way for your husband while you were dating? Did you care how he felt about the way you looked? Why wouldn’t you continue doing that? My hubby adores me as I do him, I want him to be relaxed when he gets home, but when he asked what i did today, it’s me who puts a negative spin on it, not him. He’s my king and I want to make sure he knows it. Even if my day was awful I made sure he was and is my first thought. Kids grow up and go away, that’s what we hope for at least, where does that leave your marriage? I got up every morning with him to get him ready to leave, kissed and pushed out the door because i love him, it’s not antiquated it’s love. I haven’t put gas in my own car in years, i get in and it’s full like the gas fairy filled it. The day i got in it and the gas light was on i sent him a picture almost immediately I received a picture back of him eating his yogurt with his finger because I forgot the spoon (happens at 430 am) I laughed for hours, he wouldn’t have said a thing to me if I hadn’t moved first. Guess what, my oldest son thought like you and Ben, he said he’d never – his wife doesn’t need to – I didn’t marry for a maid, blah blah blah, divorce is final next month. My daughter in law asked how did you know we shouldn’t have married and I told her because she was girlfriend material not wife. I’m strong, self-sufficient and I’m a wife, I will make my man feel like he is the center of the universe, every single day (sometimes after I’ve thrown his wet towel at him that he left on my now ruined bedspread, he literally had to duck as he came in the front door). 27 years and one son left. then it’s no clothes allowed after 6 pm for the next 27 years as God intended. Love him like your dating him.
MOMom says
Ad someone else pointed out, it’s a sign of respect that whichever parent is home does his/her best to make sure the house doesn’t look like a cyclone went through. As a mom who had to work outside the home most of my kids’ growing up years, if I’d come home night after night to a trashed house after my spouse had been home all day with however many kids there were, I would not have looked forward to getting home.
Jessa says
I agree! As a work-from-home mom of two kids under two, I keep my house tidy when I can – and I do it for ME! My husband works all day, and when he comes home to two crying children, he understands that more likely than not this is what my day has been filled with. He’s understanding enough to know that I’m not lazy just because the house isn’t as tidy as it was when we were newlyweds. If I’m in yoga pants, he doesn’t ask, “so you didn’t feel like getting dressed today?” Instead, he calls me Sexy, and thanks me for all my hard work. I understand encouraging mutual respect between spouses, but unless a clean house in your spouse’s love language, I don’t understand why that one task needs to be of this much importance.
Bella says
My husband and I have taken turns staying home. And I can tell you it was wonderful to come home to things calm and picked up. He’s much more structured than I am. So when I was staying home and realized we never had that time of calm. Well it was because he had taken the time to do that for me. So I started to do the same. It shows the kids a different part of our day is about to start. It helps them start to be more calm also. And allows our family to spend time together in a peaceful environment. Yes some days get away from me… But it’s so much better when I can.
Suzy says
I love this! I have been married 18 years (wow!) and we have 4 kids. My hubby world SUPER hard so that we have the luxury of me staying home. While my job is far from luxurious 😂 It is really a sacrifice and a blessing that I get to stay home and be with our kids. I wouldn’t have it any other way. That being said if I did work outside of the home and came home to a hot mess EVERY DAY it would be hard to not think “man I wish just ONCE in a while things could look sort of orderly when I come home!” I know for a fact my hubby doesn’t care if he comes home to a crazy mess every day BUT he is SOOOO VERY GRATEFUL when I show him that I cared enough to tidy up and have some structure for when he comes in our home. Our sanctuary. A place where he can call the chaos of the outside world that he was just in, for our family. If it’s a hot mess every day (even though he is ok with a hot mess) it would be hard for ANYONE to feel that calm feeling when they came in. They would just feel the need to dig in and help and KEEP ON WORKING after a long day all ready. Is this an “out dated” concept? NO WAY!! Just a way to show love and mutual respect to each other. I think it’s amazing you blogged about it. Not once did you say it was the only way or the only right way. It’s your way! It’s a great way to show love (as i said) and people show and receive live differently in all kinds of families. I thank and applaud you for reminding not to tidy up and show my kids and my hubby how much I love them and our home by a small act of service.
My mom once told me when I got married a little trick she used was to fill the sink with pine sol 15 min before my dad got home. She then did a quick pick up (just clutter) and drained the sink. With out fail my dad would walk in and soften at the site of a tidy home and it “smelled clean” too so it actually LOOKED cleaner to him. I giggled at that thought because sometimes the house in reality was actually messier than when he had left even AFTER her quick tidy job. With that little extra sense of smell he was able overlook some of the shortcomings of the day and STILL softened the edges of the chaotic world. I still use this fancy nose trick when my day gets away from me. I’m sure my hubby has walked in a time or two and thought “did she REALLY mop AROUND these big cases of water or Costco toilet paper”? I know for a fact though he loves that I took the time to at least TRY to make things look and SMELL clean for him!! 😁
Sorry for the soap box tirade! I just think there isn’t anything outdated about caring for your Hume and your spouse. Whether he goes to work or you do. It’s nice to come home to a tidy space. Nothing outdated about that at all.
Suzy says
I hate when I see my typos!!! Gah!! Clumsy thumbs with auto correct!!! Oh well I think you get the gist!!! One line is bugging me though. The line where I thanked you for reminding me…it wasn’t supposed to say *NOT tidying up. It was supposed to say thank you for reminding ME to tidy up and show my family I love and respect them and our home.
Thanks AGAIN for this reminder of love and commitment!!
Michelle says
Love your post. I certainly let my boys watch TV when each was younger so I could get household chores accomplished. My oldest is now 21 y.o. Our entire family has very fond memories of the episodes we’ve seen of Thomas the Tank Engine. I love cooking so dinner on the table is not challenging for me. I don’t even mind laundry. I just really dislike the clutter that seems to grow out of nowhere if we aren’t diligent about keeping things put away. You are so smart to teach your children the importance of tidying up as part of a routine. It’s easy instead to just do it yourself and get it done! My husband and I share a lot of the chores but we each have a comfort level with certain jobs. It’s all about honoring your home and showing respect for each other in maintaining a peaceful and comfortable home.
Ellen says
Amen to Ben! My thoughts exactly.
Jen Epstein says
Love the tips, thanks! Especially the part about calming temper tantrums :) Don’t I know it!
Heidi Tackett says
I LOVE this article. It is a much needed topic in today’s society. It is certainly not outdated. It is something I need to work on, except, I have a question. My hubby works nights, any ideas to make this work for me? (We have five children, 1-6 years old), no TV. When I worked, my husband kept a beautiful house, and his cooking is awesome. I have a lot of ways to move up, so any ideas would be helpful!!
Hilary says
Hi Heidi! Thanks so much for your comment! If your husband works nights, could you pick up around the house after your kids go to bed and before you go to bed?
Regina says
We begin cleaning up about 3, I then let the kids play outside while I start supper & get everything in order for the evening. Chaos drives me crazy so after a busy day at work I’m sure my hubby just wants to relax with his favorite people for the evening :)
vanda says
I am a bit surprised that it is such a big deal to be ready for your husband to get home so he is
happy.You are the one who is in the house and the thick of it.Yes sometimes it is
possible to get things tidy, and sometimes not.
I’m sure most husbands (mine included) really aren’t that bothered about a few toys and dushes.
kids are clean happy and fed and cared for that’s whats important.
It is 2016 not 1816!
charmedlife says
I also felt that some of this advice is a bit dated and sexist. My husband (and any other spouse who is attempting to play an important role in raising the kids) knows how I am spending the day and would never ask what I did all day long! It is important that all members of the household play a role in keeping the house tidy and making an effort to look good and be respectful and appreciative of one another, including the working spouse. More moor tangly, this is the example that you should be setting for your kids so that they will grow up with reasonable expectations about marriage and family life. it is not the responsibility of the stay at home spouse to assume all responsibility for home and child care and to worry about whether the working partner will be pleased with your efforts! this is a recipe for burnout and resentment that isn’t good for your marriage, your family or your personal well-being. don’t set yourself up to fail!
mommagallo says
Kudos Ben! Part of being at home for me does include getting to the housework. I split my week working in and out of the house. My husband does a lot of cleaning when he gets home from work when he’s not too tired. When I have the kids it’s not my primary focus. Although I do want my kids to clean up after themselves like human beings. That being said…Hubs coming home is the marker for me that my work day is also done. I want to feel like I’m on top of the housework instead of drowning in it. To have the house tidy, dinner on the way and the counters clean makes me happy. It’s a bonus if I can set the Roomba to go, put in a load of laundry and run the dishwasher. The only thing I do sometimes if I feel behind is quickly set the table. I can do this in the few seconds it takes for him to start opening the garage door and walk inside. It gives the illusion that something is on the way even if I haven’t even thought about dinner and it’s about to be a “lets order sushi (again) night”. He’s happier and I’m happier because I don’t have to deal with any judgemental questions about how I spent my day. (I spent it constantly nursing a teething baby, being used by my toddler as a human Kleenex, painting rocks, being a doctor, cook, teacher, cleaning lady, coach, etiquette instructor, personal assistant and business owner.) Any questions?*drops mike and walks out*
Peter Martone says
Is article for real?? I could have sworn that this was lifted from some 1950’s publication somewhere. Do women and men still really think and live this way?? I work a “job” as does my wife (who works from home as an RN), and she also runs a successful business out of the home as well. I LOVE hearing about her day, and her work, and my sons day, and guess what…?? I dont EXPECT the house to be totally clean and sparkling when i get home, i KNOW she works her ass off daily and tries to do it all, and I appreciate and love her for it, and if some chore around the house needs to be done… well, then I just “man up” and do it, or I ask her what she needs help with. Running a household as a partnership, just like any other relationship, it takes 2 people to communicate, and work TOGETHER to make it work. This is the dumbest article I have read in a very long time.
Hilary says
I’m sorry you missed the important point of this post, Peter … it’s intended for stay-at-home moms who don’t work from home or away from home.
Typically stay-at-home moms view their job as caring for their home and family. And it’s hard work. Sometimes, as a stay-at-home mom, you want to have an idea of something quick to do to straighten up your house – so I gave an example of what works for me in my own home.
I can assure you that my home is not totally clean and sparkling when my husband gets home every day. He knows I’m hard at work throughout my day and that I try to do it all … and he appreciates and loves me for it. I completely agree with you that when you’re married, running a household is a partnership. My husband helps out, and neither of us would ever expect for me to do all of the work in our home. We work TOGETHER. But most days, I try to show him kindness and respect by doing what I know he likes, and what I would also like to see if I worked away from the home.
vanda says
I love your reply Peter! Yes there are housework tips, but the big focus of this article is the housebeing satifactory for when the man comes home.quite ridiculous.
Ellie says
I’m a “temporary” stay at home Mom, home on maternity leave taking care of our newborn second child. It has been rough this last few months making the transition from full-time working outside the home to full-time working within the home – I have much respect for those that SAH all the time.
This post totally spoke to me, even though there are no expectations on my husband’s part about what I have or have not “accomplished” during the day. There are days that he comes home to a hot dinner, a clean house and well-behaved kids; and days when he comes home to chaos and no food in the cupboards. I have noticed that we all feel better and have better evenings when the house is tidier when my husband and our oldest get home. Doing quick tidying up or getting dinner started make me feel more accomplished and ready to greet my family when they return home. I usually concentrate on general tidying of the living room and the kitchen, although today I swept and tidied the front foyer and my husband noticed it as soon as he walked in, so I think I’ll take a minute or two every other day or so to make sure it’s tidied.
Becca says
When my husband was a SAHD I was very clear in laying out my expectations: His job was to be there for the children; the house was a joint responsibility. Having said that, I loved it when I came home and dinner was made and the house was more-or-less tidy. Now that I’m a SAHM I do a good job of keeping the house tidy – Of course it helps that the kids are in school now, and not little and under-foot! I still think the house is a joint responsibility; but I have more time to clean, and my standards are higher. (He grew up in a home that wasn’t terribly clean. At various times they had an inside pig, inside goats, and inside lambs, which all made for fascinating pets, but also a messy home.) I’ve told him recently that he has to step up his game though, after my daughter told me that “I’ll have to do more housework than my brother when I’m grown up because daddies don’t do housework.” That is NOT a message we want to send her; so he’s been better at pulling his weight!
Hilary says
An indoor pig, goats and lambs!? Wow! I guess that would create a much different standard of clean! ;)
K says
Thank you for the encouragement!
I was the perfect wife before I was married and the perfect mom before I had kids.
Experience, wisdom and perspective are important.
Hilary says
Oh, that is so true, Krystel!! Funny how we’re oh so perfect BEFORE marriage and parenting. :)
Hilary says
That is so true, Krystel!! Funny how we’re oh so perfect BEFORE marriage and parenting! :)
Janae McCormick says
Its definitely alot harder to make sure the house is clean before my husband comes home now but two years ago we only had our daughter and my husband also worked until 11 at night so i would just not mess with the house all day and get to enjoy spending time with my daughter and clean up after she went to bed. But now my daughter is almost 4 and we also have a 7 month old little boy and my husband comes home at 3 so with all of the craziness that goes on its extremely difficult to get the house looking nice. But my husband is awesome he used to get upset and not understand what i do all day and how i couldnt get anything done. He realized how defeated i felt so now instead of getting upset hell just start cleaning up for me with out me even asking him to. It makes me feel guilty that after working 5am to 3pm he comes home and feels like he has to do house work but i do try my best for him
Betty says
I know exactly where you’re coming from! In true Flylady style, I set a 15-minute timer and empty the dishwasher, which rarely takes more than 5 minutes if the Littles are already in bed or occupied. Then I clear the sink for another 10 minutes. If I don’t finish within my 15 minutes, I either have a better place to keep outstanding dirty dishes or its only a matter of a few extra minutes to finish the job.
From there I’ll reset the timer for 5-10 minutes and tackle the next trainwreck that would offer the biggest impact, usually picking up toys.
IF I have time, I’ll start a load of laundry washing so it’s ready to dry by the morning. Once I start this and the dishwasher running, I feel like I’ve already accomplished more legit housework within 30 minutes than I have all day!!
At this point I can chillax with a cup of tea (and get a cup ready for the hubs’!) and/or wipe down countertops and the dining table.
I really respond well to a timer (Flylady, pomodoro..), and I find my task rarely takes as long as I thought that it would. I give myself permission to walk away from the task at the buzzer or Pinterest for the remaining unused time. :)
Kristen says
I love your idea about using a timer and any remaining time spent on something “fun”. I agree that things rarely take as long as you think they will and being able to earn fun time would be a good incentive to come up with even more efficient ways to do things. I’m about to be a first time mom and a stay at home mom and I’m pretty nervous but also Really excited. I hope I’m up for the challenge.
Annie says
Honestly I hope I can marry a man who understands that raising kids is hard and knows our house won’t always be clean, and who is okay with coming home and seeing me doing something other than tidying. Someone who values my working hard even if it doesn’t look like much.
If I were working wife to a stay at home dad, I wouldn’t expect him to do everything you’ve listed above. I really do like these cleaning & childcare tips (educational videos from the library! perfect way to keep kids occupies and learning!) but also, as long as there’s honesty and love in a marriage, I wouldn’t mind a messy house.
Sarah @thenew1950s.com says
I’ve noticed since I did the KonMari method, my house is much easier to keep clean. Even with three little ones! I suggest it. It’s so much easier for me to keep up with the housework
Prairie Todd says
I used to obsess over the perfect house and having it clean for my husband. When he didn’t really seem to take much notice on the days that I didn’t do such a good job I began to realize that acts of service was one of my love languages, not his. He would much rather that I be ready to spend some quality time with him when he gets home, then have me be burnt out from taking care of 4 littles all day and trying to make sure the house is perfect.
I do take keeping up the house as part of my “job” since I don’t work outside of the home, but I know the value that my husband sees in me staying home is in my care for the children so they don’t have to be shipped of to some daycare or a relative. They are at home with their momma who is loving on them, teaching them, caring for them, and bonding with them in a way that no one but a parent could. If I was married to someone who didn’t see the value in that I might worry that we were facing much bigger issues than if the dishwasher got unloaded or not.
Brandy says
My husband works Fire/EMS and Medical Transport, so he works just about every day except 3 Sundays a month. I am a SAHM to our nine children, including 18 month old twin tornadoes. I also homeschool all but our youngest two, and we do martial arts, library trips, etc. I do what I can with the house, of course I want it clean, but THANKFULLY my husband has NEVER insinuated that I didn’t do anything all day, even when we only had 1 or 2 babies for me to care for! How insulting, rude, and unloving! You know what my husband does? He comes home on the two out of three nights that he’s home, he loves on his kids, he cuts the grass and does outside stuff, and if he sees something that needs to be done inside, wait for it…. HE DOES IT! Imagine that. I feel like the luckiest woman in the world after reading this article and these comments.
Brandy says
Plus, I’m a stay at home MOM. The kids are my “job,” not the house. Of course I do more in the house than my husband does just because I’m here more, but it’s still equal responsibility. I signed up as a SAHM to raise my kids, not to be the only one responsible for keeping the house tidy. I’m so thankful that my husband would rather us work together when he’s home to get the house shipshape so we can the both relax together after the kids are in bed, than relax alone while I do all the housework. I’m all for serving my husband, don’t get me wrong. He goes out and serves people all day long. He’s got a servant’s heart, maybe that makes all the difference. I do what I can, but in our home having a perfectly tidy home every day isn’t practical, and he recognizes that, and he also recognizes that the house is OUR responsibility, and I am the weaker vessel, and in turn serves me and loves me like Christ loves the Church.
Dee says
I think there is something to be said for creating a peaceful/clean environment for your spouse. Each one should participate in some way. I come from a background where this is encouraged and I enjoy making things nice for my family. However, if there is a lack of appreciation, and also reciprocation, it can be discouraging. It all depends on the couple and how well they care for each other.
Shannon says
I absolutely love this and so appreciate this article! I have a hard time deciding how to handle everything right before my husband gets home… 3 children under 2.5 is a contributing factor. This is SO PRACTICAL and SO HELPFUL! Thank you for the insight and giving me motivation towards a different perspective allowing me to feel less overwhelmed.
Hilary says
I am so glad you appreciate it, Shannon! I hope it will help a lot in your days … and with your motivation and perspective!
Annie says
It amazes me how many nasty comments there are here insinuating your husband comes home and demands an accounting of your time. You clearly state that he politely asks about your day, which is the same thing anyone would do when they greet a family member. Don’t they ask their spouse how their day at work went? Many days, I’ve nothing interesting to share about work – the same boring tasks, or feeling like little was accomplished even though I worked all day. I’m sure it’s the same for those who are SAHMs. What could possibly be offensive about spending a couple minutes doing something you know your spouse will appreciate? What is the point of being so measly with kindness when it comes to your own spouse?
Sarah says
Love these tips!! I’m a full-time WFH mom and my little ones are in daycare just part-time, so life can definitely be hectic. My girls and I ALWAYS clean before leaving for the day. They put all their toys away and I clean the kitchen and do any laundry that needs to be taken care of. We get back around 1:30 and it’s nap time for them and more work time for me. Once they’re up for the day, I start dinner and they play. Again, before bedtime, we clean. They’ve actually gotten really good at keeping their toys picked up — to the point where most days I don’t have to ask/nag them. I think kids secretly enjoy a clean home as well :)
Thank you for the post!! Very fun read!
-Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com
Sheila says
I’m not sure I love the title of this article. But it does bring about a point that most SAHM think about (that is what do you like to do before your significant other gets home. Being a SAHM mom during the weekdays (work 24hrs night shift during the weekend), I do try to make it a routine to get chores done. Mostly, I do it for myself though. I’ve realized early on that a cleaner house meant a less frazzled me. I know my husband never minded if I couldn’t get the dishes done or dinner cooked because I was dealing with a sick baby all day, or I was just too busy with the kids. I know that he appreciated it more when I was a calmer wife. Also, I realized that the more chores I could get done, meant more quality family time with the kids and with each other. Another incentive to keep the house clean and dinner ready.
First thing I usually did when we woke up (630ish) was feed the kids, change their outfits and get a little play time. Then I would let them watch some tv while I got my coffee/breakfast ready and morning dishes washed. At some point during the day (usually mid morning naps), I’d put a load of laundry in the wash (the folding was usually done whenever I could squeeze it in). Then from lunchtime (1130 to 530) is just about them. I pick up toys and straighten out the play area around 530. Then I’d usually start dinner.
A few things that have worked for me have been- one day a week I went food shopping (I always did a meal menu so shopping would be quick, easy, also avoids unnecessary expenses and thinking all week of what to do for dinner).
I also did pot roast Fridays since I could set the crock pot for my family to have a meal before I left for work.
Overall, having some type of routine usually helped me to get things done without feeling too overwhelmed. At the end of the day, there’s always a chore you could think of doing, but sometimes, just being able to spend time with the entire family is the most important “chore”. 😝
Mihaela Echols says
I think its awesome that you go the extra mile for your husband. Doing these little things shows our men that we really do care.
Evelyn Edgett says
I agree with everything you’ve said. My husband (the Redneck) comes home at 3:45 a.m., so I have had the time to clean and do everything before he gets home. My routine is to set my phone alarm for 3:30 a.m. When t goes off, I get up, straighten the bed, brush my hair and teeth, and wait in the living room for him. When it was warm, I sat on the porch in the dark, praying. Now that winter’s here, I sit by the front window, and when I see his truck lights, I open the door and go outside to welcome him home. We talk for a while, then go to sleep.
Hilary says
Your comment brings tears to my eyes, Evelyn, because I think it’s just amazing that you set your alarm every night to wake up at 3:30 in the morning to welcome your husband home from work! Your husband is a blessed man.
RLSCM says
One of the most important things I do before my husband gets home from work is cook a nice home cooked meal from scratch. I try and have all the prep dishes cleaned and put away and the table set and ready to serve dinner. I also like to do a quick scan and tidy up of any clutter, as well as making sure the children are settled doing a quiet activity. Then whenever possible, when he gets home I greet him at the door with a big smile and a hug. 😊❤️
Jennifer Perry says
One thing that worked out well for us … when my husband came home I would hand the baby or toddler off to him then I would get a much needed shower! I did not feel comfortable leaving my daughter alone while it was just the two of us. This way I could enjoy a shower, know that she was safe and my husband loved his alone time with her. After the shower I would start dinner. Oh and we loved to watch “The Comfy Couch” on PBS when I needed a few minutes to pick up the clutter. Generally that 30 minute block was all I needed to get everything back in order.
Hilary says
Ooh, I love this idea, Jennifer! Juggling real, everyday life with infants and toddlers is so difficult. What a great idea to tag-team with your husband once he got home from work!
Vikki says
My reply is a bit different than most. I was a SAHM for 25 years with 6 kids. I almost always had everything in perfect order before my husband came home. Unfortunately because I was so efficient he got to thinking that what I did took only a short time and all I must have done all day was play. In retrospect now as a grandma, I wish I had let a few things slide and not been so good at keeping things up so he could really appreciate how much I really did do. So my advice is to do the best you can but when you can’t it is ok. Then your husband will value you as a real person, not some kind of Stepford wife.
M. D. says
So what tips do you have for those of us who choose to work outside our homes? I carpool, with my husband, to our medical practice every day. We come home with our children together. We work as a team in all that we do! This blog makes your husbands seem like they’re trapped in 1950.
Hilary says
Since this post was written for stay-at-home moms, I agree with you that it’s not applicable to women who work outside the home. I did write about how to care for your home when you have a job, though: http://hilarybernstein.com/managing-a-job-and-a-home/. Hopefully it can give you some good ideas!
Anita says
I love this! I get a lot of complaining from friends and familu about doing too much as a SAHM, worrying about keeping the house clean for my husband and what not. But what those friends and family fail to understand is that when my husband comes home to a tidy house, it is like a clean slate for our family’s evening. It allows us to focus more on each other and not the mess and stress of our days.
Hilary says
Yes!! I love your description of a clean slate for your family’s evening. Mess can add so much stress and distraction, doesn’t it?
Ashley says
I have to say that this is the best “ideal housewife” article that I’ve read. This sounds silly but for a few days I’ve been looking up how to be a “happy homemaker”. I don’t want it to come across that I’m miserable and totally devestated with my life, but I have two young children (1 day exactly away from being a year apart), we were married after our children were born and I always felt a little… behind. My husband works as a third shift supervisor, he think that I deserve to sleep as long as the kids are and a lot of the time if the kids get up he let’s me keep sleeping! When he wakes up late in the afternoon, it is complete chaos. But I found hope in this article! I’m thrilled that I’m not the only Mom who uses the TV for a few minutes of quiet time to get some things done :) So I wanted to personally thank you for this, it has already helped and motivated me so much <3
Vanessa says
Are you kidding me? Is this the step ford wives? Do you really recommend to downgrade yourself to the cleaning help? Is that all you were created to do?
And if you do this blog as business then you need time to that as well. Hire a cleaner and a babysitter and you will get your life back. Or clean up together. They are both your kids right? This is ridiculous. Sorry.
Michelle says
Right? Welcome to 1950. He will still grab my ass and tell me I’m sexy in sweatpants and a messy house. Work on your relationship.
Stone says
I no longer have little ones underfoot but one thing i do is i light a fragrance candle in the foyer 30 min before my husband or guest arrive. It sets the stage at the get go.
Michelle says
Hahahahahha. Did this article get written straight out of 1950? He can have supper made and loud kids with a happy/stressed/whatever wife. He will survive. And a good husband comes home and pitches in. Its 2018.