Online Reporter
Laina Makuzha
LOVE by DESIGN
A MUM stands beside a table with six plates — one of them smaller than the rest containing meal servings. Four young girls stand in a queue to get their meal as she watches each pick a plate.
Then she affectionately gives a plate to her husband and finally, she takes the remaining apparently, the smallest with the least food and sits down to eat.
Such was the scene in a video on social media by Real Proud Mum. It just reminded me of how full-time housewives or executive homemakers are the real “unsung heroes”.
Often overlooked, frequently under-appreciated and sometimes taken for granted, housewives work tirelessly behind the scenes to create a haven of love, warmth and stability for their families.
From dawn till dusk and often long after the rest of the household has retired for the night, they toil selflessly, pouring their hearts and souls into nurturing their loved ones. This week, we look at why these wonderful everyday heroes deserve love, support and respect.
In our modern times where career-driven women are sometimes “idolised,” it is befitting to shine the spotlight on women often referred to as homemakers, who are the backbone of their households, managing the intricacies of family life with precision and dedication.
The misconception
There is a common misconception that housewives do nothing all day, lounging around the house with no real responsibilities. However, the reality is far from it. A homemaker’s role involves effective management of the home, which is akin to running a business of sorts, some might say.
They are responsible for budgeting, meal planning, household chores, childcare and so much more. The skills required to manage a home are not entirely dissimilar to those needed to run a successful business.
Some aspects of home management
1. Time management: Just like executives, homemakers must prioritise tasks, manage their time efficiently and juggle multiple responsibilities.
2. Decision-making: Homemakers make countless decisions daily, from meal planning to budgeting and from childcare to household maintenance.
3. Problem-solving: Unexpected problems arise and homemakers must think on their feet to resolve them, just like executives facing challenges in the workplace.
4. Responsibility for others: Both executives and homemakers are responsible for the well-being and success of their teams — in this case, their families.
5. Budgeting and financial management: Homemakers must manage the household budget, making financial decisions that impact the entire family.
The Bible reminds us of the importance of work and the value of rest. In Genesis 2:2-3, we are told that God rested on the seventh day, setting an example for us to follow.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 encourages us to “do everything with all your might,” but it doesn’t mean we should exhaust ourselves. Proverbs 31:10-31 celebrates the virtuous woman, highlighting her hard work, wisdom and dedication to her family.
A plea to husbands
To the husbands of these incredible women, I urge you to love and appreciate your partners. Recognise the hard work they put into managing the home and caring for the family. Support them, help them and cherish them.
Some ways spouses can show love and support to the homemaker
Show appreciation and gratitude: Acknowledge the hard work and sacrifices your partner makes for the family. Express gratitude for the meals, the clean home and the care they provide for the children. A simple “thank you” or acknowledgement of their efforts can go a long way in making someone feel valued.
Share household responsibilities: While your partner may be a full-time homemaker, they still need breaks and time for themselves. Offer to help with household chores, childcare or other responsibilities to give them some respite. This can help prevent burnout and show that you value their well-being.
Encourage and support their interests and hobbies: Just like anyone else, full-time housewives have their own interests, hobbies and passions which should be encouraged and supported. This can help them maintain identity and sense of purpose.
Spend quality time together: With the demands of childcare and household responsibilities, it is easy for couples to drift apart. Make an effort to spend quality time with your partner, whether it is going for a walk, having a date night or simply having a conversation.
Show physical affection and emotional support: Full-time housewives often put others’ needs before their own, which can lead to emotional exhaustion. Show your partner physical affection like hugs, kisses and cuddles, and offer emotional support by listening to them, validating their feelings and being present in moments when they need you.
By showing love, appreciation and support, husbands can help their full-time housewife partners feel seen, heard and valued, which can strengthen their relationship and overall well-being.
And if you are out there and you are a homemaker, do not overwork to the point of exhaustion. Your role is vital, but it is okay to take a break and prioritise self-care. When your husband comes home from work, it is not necessarily another “job” for you to start; it is an opportunity to connect, share and enjoy each other’s company.
Join the conversation!
Share your thoughts on the role of homemakers, the challenges they face and how they can be supported and appreciated. I hope that as homemakers, they receive the appreciation they deserve and this would also go a long way in building stronger, more loving families.
Feedback: WhatsApp/SMS:+263719102572/Email: lainanaledimakuzha@ gmail.com
