The Hard Work is in the Home

Does work feel like a break to you? If so, there's a good reason for that.

A study by Musick, Meier, and Flood (2016) found that the work we do in our homes can actually be more stressful than our paid labor for three primary reasons.

The challenges of managing children at home often have fewer structured breaks and can lead to higher stress levels.

Parenting demands constant multitasking, attention to detail, and emotional resilience, often without the same clear boundaries and support systems present in a workplace.

Working environments also typically offer more predictable routines, whereas home life with children can be unpredictable and mentally exhausting.

5 Basic Tips to Reduce Stress at Home

Here are five tips on how to be a good teammate at home.

1. Establish Clear Roles and Responsibilities

Just as in a workplace, defining roles at home can help manage expectations and distribute workload effectively. Sit down with your partner and discuss each other's strengths and preferences. 

Who is better with morning routines, and who excels in calming nighttime chaos? Assign responsibilities that play to each other's strengths, but also be flexible to swap roles as needed.

I have written numerous posts that dive deeply into how you can create a system in your home to manage life as a team. Click here for a good place to start. 

2. Create a Family Schedule

While home life can be unpredictable, establishing a routine can bring some much-needed order to chaos. Create a family calendar that includes not just appointments and activities, but also designated times for chores, family meals, and even downtime. This can help in setting boundaries similar to those you might experience at work.

3. Develop a Support Network

In the workplace, you have colleagues to lean on when times get tough; the same should apply at home. Connect with nearby friends, family, or neighbors who can share in the childcare responsibilities. Consider setting up regular playdates or shared childcare days to give each other occasional breaks.

Related: Want to be Happier? Hang with the Fellas

4. Prioritize Communication

Effective communication is as crucial at home as it is at work. Regular check-ins can help you and your partner stay aligned and address any issues before they become problems. This includes discussing what's working, what isn’t, and how you both feel about the division of labor and time spent with children.

Related: 3 Tips for a Healthier Marriage: Insights from Marriage Therapist Alyson Bullock

5. Make Time for Team Building

Just like a workplace team might have outings or team-building exercises, make time for activities that strengthen your family unit. 

Whether it’s a weekly game night, a monthly outing, or simply spending some quiet time together after the kids are in bed, these moments can reinforce your partnership and provide much-needed relaxation and bonding.

Related: Date Night Games for Married Couples: A Straightforward List

Wrapping it Up

The hard work of managing a home and raising children is indeed demanding. However, by applying some structured strategies and teamwork, parents can not only manage but thrive in the nurturing environment of the home. 

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