You know, several years ago, when I was a teenager (or maybe younger), I used to daydream a lot. My fondest daydream was imagining myself as a wife and mother. Not exotic or exciting in any way, but it made me happy to think about it. Now that I am a wife and mother, and have been for many years, the romantic idea has long worn off and been replaced by the joy of providing my family with the day to day care they need and enjoy. I am very happy at what I do, and I love my job. And that's what it is! It's a job! I get up in the morning with my husband; make him breakfast and lunch to take with him to work; get my kids up and fed and off to school, and then I really go to work.
I've been told in the past that the best way to be a homemaker is to get dressed every morning like you're going to work, because you are. Now ideally I agree with this concept. But realistically I don't always follow it. When the kids are gone and the husband is gone, who's gonna care if I'm in my sweats? I believe a woman should be as comfortable as possible while cleaning house. It makes the job a whole lot easier. But that aside, let's break this down and compare it to an actual paying job (and who wouldn't agree that even Trump couldn't actually afford to pay a woman like you). There are three things about a "real" job that can be compared to the job of a homemaker.
1. You get dressed and go to work
2. You take breaks
3. You get paid
Okay, so we've already covered the fact that I don't always like to get dressed in the wee hours of the morning (I'm a bit of a rebel and cringe at the thought of becoming a June Cleaver in her dress and pearls), but I strongly encourage, almost demand, that a good homemaker dress up to go out into society. Whether you're taking the kids to a ball game or the doctor, or you're out shopping, for crying out loud, dress up! You don't have to put on the gloves and hat (although I wish we all would!), but at least put on your best pair of jeans, a nice shirt and do your hair and make-up. And don't forget that no outfit is complete without the right pair of shoes. You'll feel better. You'll set an example to the world showing them all that housewives are NOT fat, lazy slobs who sit around all day eating bon-bons and watching soaps on TV. But most of all, you'll feel like your job is important, because you'll be acting like it is. By the way, wear perfume every day. The ladies at the office do! My favorite now is Vera Wang. It took up my entire spending allowance for one pay period, but it was so worth it! I feel pretty, oh so pretty....okay.
So step one, dress up for the job.
On to number two. Taking a break. One other reason I wait to get dressed is that I get all sweaty (unlike June) when I do housework. And since I'm all sweaty, Id might as well go to the gym. Then I can take a shower using their hot water and get dressed for the day. It's a nice way to get started! That is if I can get my rear to the gym... But anyway, throughout my day, I take short breaks. I like to sit at my table and shuffle cards and play solitaire. I put on my 40's music from my XM radio (I love modern technology that transports me back in time) and relax for ten or twenty minutes. Maybe sit out on your porch and watch the grass grow. There is an older gentleman in my neighborhood whom I see riding his bicycle around slowly up and down the streets. I've tried it and it's a nice healthy way to take a break. It's actually very relaxing! I've also read somewhere that Dutch women iron sitting down (note: your board can lower to become very short) to save energy. So take breaks where you can and save that vim and pep for when the honey comes home! Woo ooo!!
Last but not least: PAYDAY! Ahem, sorry. Let me say that again...Payday. It's so important whether you're doing the finances or your husband is or you're both doing them together (the best way) to give yourself a payday for all your hard work. I'm not talking about the money you need for odds and ends or food or taking the dog to the beauty parlor. I'm talking about money for you! You deserve it! You work hard! Go get your nails done (and keep them done). Go get a massage (you may have to save for that one) or a new outfit. Slowly build up your wardrobe or buy some expensive perfume, and wear it daily! Whatever you do, give yourself some mulah and don't let the kids have it! Take care of yourself. Your husband will thank you for it. He'll be all over you! He won't be able to keep his hands off you. He'll...okay, you get the picture.
So remember, ladies. In spite of what the feminist movement would like you to believe, you do have the right to choose to be a homemaker. But if you do, do it with pride! Do it with purpose! Do it with passion! And you'll do your husband, your children, and yourself a wonderful service. You'll be doing the greatest, most rewarding, most satisfying, God-appointed job on earth.
Pat yourself on the back. You're a Real Homemaker!!
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Modern Women 'Happy to be Housewives'
When I find great articles about modern homemakers/housewives, I will post a link here. Once a month, I will also write an article. If you have a desire to write, I would love to hear from you. Send me your article submissions to Jennifer Nelson, and I'll email you if I decide to post it on the site. Thanks!