Can your son do house chores?

The old belief that house chores are meant for girls only is so yesterday. Today, men are getting a grip of the chores, thanks to their responsible parents. Frank Isabirye writes about the benefits

 

Simeon Rugette, a 14-year-old boy, is very skilful with house chores, he could give several girls a run for their money. 

 

“I sweep, cook, babysit, feed my little cousins, feed chicken, water plants, prune and weed the crops. Those are just a few of the chores I do. I am proud of myself for doing something few boys can do,” Rugette says. 

 

His aunt, Goretti Amayo, who had a hand in raising him is also proud of him. Amayo says: “In our family, both boys and girls are expected to do house chores equally. 

 

“I encourage parents out there to teach their sons housework, irrespective of the teasing they may face among their immature peers. The world has changed and is still changing. They need to prepare their sons for independence, especially when they join university,” Amayo says.

 

“Women prefer men who know how to do house chores because they are also bread winners in the home. As husband and wife, you may have to share the house duties every once in a while. This is not to say a woman should not play her part. But if a husband can help, then why not?” She says.

 

Amayo says as a working mother, it might be hard to teach and encourage your boys to do the chores because of lack of enough time.

 

Rugette admits that in the beginning it was not easy. “I used to cry, as I saw it as a punishment. The hardest bit was when boys used to mock and make fun of me because I was doing chores, meant for girls.” 

 

“When Simeon was being made fun of, as a family, we manage had to manage his attitude well to ensure he does not feel less of a man. We made him realise that house chores would benefit him in the long run,” Amayo says.

 

Joseph Musaalo, a counsellor at Uganda Christian University.

 

It is wise to teach all the children house chores. Leaving the boys out would be crippling them for the future. Incidentally, the best chefs in town are men. It used to be a tradition for only girls to do chores, but times have changed.

 

Age does not matter. However, the age when the children start playing, at about two to three years, is recommended, as this is the time they start to develop character. Initiate them by being exemplary. At this stage, children learn by impression and imitation. As a father, wash the utensils in their presence, you will be surprised when your son joins in. 

 

Let them know that statements like, “Chores are for only women and men who do them are women” are myths. Give them the examples of the male chefs who cook food in the big hotels.

 

Better still, take them out to these hotels and they see for themselves. The schools they go to have men that cook the food they enjoy. Point this out to them. These examples will encourage them do the chores while managing the teasing from peers.

Working mothers should weigh their priorities. You can work so hard for your children, but they turn out to be arrogant or cannot take good care of themselves. Nowadays, even girls cannot cook because their mothers do not have time for them. A working mother ought to create time for her children.

 

This is the part where father figures come in. A father has to be a role model, who does chores at home. The boy will ably follow suit and still feel that he is a man. This is because you inspire him and are his hero.

 

The process of learning goes on and on. As a parent, you have to be honest and start by telling your son your shortcomings like not teaching him chores at a young age. Even at an advanced age, the boys can still learn a few chores.  

 

A boy does not have to rush into marriage to get help with house work.

 

It reduces on expenses if a boy can cook a decent meal for himselF

 

It is easier for boys to be employed as top chefs in restaurants than it is for women

 

The skill of humility is picked up from doing house chores.

 

The feeling of independence is priceless.

 

The boy can give support at home when the wife is not available