How do I make myself enjoy being a housewife?

Question

I am absolutely abismal at it. I figure it is because I lack enthusiasm, I have only ever been good at things I enjoy. I need a way to make housework seem fun and enjoyable and for it not to make me feel dirty (I am obsessed with my feet never getting dirt on them) and for it to be doable with a toddler following me around the house. How do I embrace being a housewife and actually do a good job of it? Where do I begin?

I run a business from home, that's my problem maybe, I'm trying to do both things at once and I don't have the energy or motivation for it.

Sandra y: I also have a problem with 'serving' my husband, I am such a feminist deep down inside and it feels degrading to me to be cleaning up his mess. My love for him doesn't really add up to cleaning his skid marks off the toilet bowl lol. I don't like feeling like a servant. If I went into the workforce I would still have to do the housework too so what would be the point, I would just have no time with my daughter : (

Answer 1

Cleaning up and doing the same chores every day can indeed be a drag. You might think about your husband being happy about his home being nice for him, but that only gets you that far.
Can you create a nice atmosphere for doing housework? Turn on some music you like, talk to your kid and let him/her help you, sing along with him/her, think of nice things you can do when you are done, reward yourself for being such a good housewife (you will know best how to reward yourself)... And don't worry about not being a "good" housewife. Basics are more than sufficient.

Answer 2

Personally I'd say why should you have to enjoy it? Go out and do something you have fun with. But from the bit about the toddler it seems like you don't have a choice. Find a hobby you enjoy. Try jigsaw puzzles (keeping them away from tiny fingers), Sudoku or other brain teasers. Look for a computer game you like theres tons of free ones out there. Get a stay at home job on the internet. Read booksl, write one, or paint, draw ect. if you posess those talents.

Answer 3

you might get more out of managing things and not having to do them. Hire someone to do the cleaning part. and you manage it. That way you can move out of the way of the dirt and bye yourself some nice shoes so the dirt won't get on your feet. The baby and you can go for nice walks and you well have the peace of mind that the house is clean. You might have to do a few dishes; however the happy thought is that you get to teach the baby to help with it as soon as they are old enough. I had nothing but fun when I taught my little one to help around the house. The last thing I have for you is if you put a mountain in front of you you well have to clime it. If you put a few steps in front of you you can just step over them

Answer 4

LOL, housework is not a job to love it is just something that has to be done. Put on a cd and when the cd is finished so is the cleaning. Reward yourself at the end with a hot coffee and a read. Always easier to do it if there is a reward at the end.

Answer 5

You can't "make" yourself enjoy something. Some women are just not meant to be housewives. Although you may think that being at home all day with your child means more quality time and being able to give your child more love and attention, in actuality, if you hate the work that goes along with that, you'll eventually start to resent the entire thing, including being with the child. If you can't find ways to feel fullfilled in your job as a stay at home mom, then you are all better off if you were in the workforce. We all need to be fullfilled as individuals to be able to fill all the other roles in our lives happily and effectively.

By the way, I'm saying this as a stay at home mom.

Answer 6

You're the person in charge of making sure that toddler following you around has a clean, beautiful place that he can feel safe and comforted in.

Just put your mind to it... treat it like a job if that would help.. you know, a schedule. If you used to work, maybe that's why you aren't gung ho about the whole housewife thing... so schedule your days, just like an employer would.

For me, it's just a matter of feeling like I'm doing something worthwhile. I know that when my son comes home from school he feels pride in his home, and that makes me feel good.

Answer 7

Start by going to the Flylady website: www.flylady.net. Once you get a routine for your housework down you'll discover all sorts of things you can do with your time (not necessarily around the house).
Also - exercise! It's one of the best ways to use your free time.

Answer 8

i've got a 13 month old son that follows me everywhere i go, so the only thing i get done is cleaning the bathroom/toilet and dishes..and make the beds. But once he has his nap i mop the floors and do anything else i have to do. like laundry ect..

sometimes i can get it all done in the morning when my patner is home to watch him and stop him from following me, he either takes him out somewhere, or he plays with him.

I dont enjoy cleaning but i dont hate it either..i know it has to be done so i do it.

Answer 9

Well you have to lookl at it as you are the only one that will do it and be glad you are able to stay home and have you kid with you you don't know how luck you are i would love to be a housewife and stay home and do house work I would trad almost any thing to have that right now.

Answer 10

You either are or aren't cut out to be housewife. I know some women go stir crazy being at home and that doesn't mean that they are bad mom's it just means they can't stand staying at home and having no adult conversations.

I love being at home with my kids, it's my dream job.

Maybe you shouldn't worry about having everything perfect? I gave up on that years ago or else I would have driven myself crazy.

I highly suggest joining "flylady" she'll help you get organized and keep your house in order and company ready without a ton of cleaning...

Just Google "flylady". :-)