| 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. |
