Homemaking 101-The Ultimate Guide to the Modern Homemaker

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Estimated reading time: 40 minutes

Are you puzzled by the role of a homemaker? Do you want to learn how to be a good homemaker?

This article will review a brief history of Homemaking and all the ins and outs of Homemaking, including qualities, skills, tips, and tricks.

History of Homemaking

Homemaking has been an essential aspect of family life throughout human history. However, it is difficult to determine when Homemaking peaked since it has evolved and changed over time.

According to the Smithsonian Libraries, sustaining a home and a healthy family was a full-time job for middle-class women in late nineteenth-century America.

Additionally, a study by the USDA found that according to the 1940 Census, 29 million persons engaged in Homemaking, which ranked first of all in terms of the number of workers.

However, it is essential to note that the concept of Homemaking has changed over the years, and its importance and prevalence have fluctuated.

For example, during the Great Depression, Homemaking became more complicated for women due to the sharp cuts in the family budget caused by the economic crisis.

American women found themselves increasingly challenged to complete their homemaking tasks with the limited resources available, and they needed to use increased creativity to feed and clothe their families.

As a society, we have created programs to help immigrants learn the American culture.

One program, in particular, was called “Americanization through Homemaking.” The focus was to teach immigrants American culture by teaching them how to cook, sew, etc. They used to believe Homemaking skills were necessary to succeed as a society.

Definition of Homemaking

Let me start with a definition of Homemaking from the  Spanish word “hogar.” It is an excellent example to understand the purpose of Homemaking.

In Spanish, the word Hogar (Home) comes from the word hoguera, which means fireplace. The reason for this is that it used to be that during winter, people would gather around the house fireplace to read, talk, sing, and pass the time while trying to keep warm.

Therefore, we can see a direct correlation in Spanish between a warm, cozy place with the word “hogar” or “home.”

So, What Is Homemaking?

Let’s keep using the example of a fireplace. When discussing Homemaking, we essentially keep that fireplace lit by keeping the home warm, welcoming, nurturing, relaxing, calming, and cozy.

How do you do this?  You may be a busy working mom who wants to create a home where you, your husband, and your children want to return after their busy days.

How do you make a house into an “Hogar” or home? That is the job of a homemaker. 

Let’s look at what it entitles to make your home a place people want to be. Which answers the question, how do you become a homemaker?

What do Homemakers do?

Homemakers make sure that there is care and thought in the place where their family lives.

You want your home to be clean, to have basic needs met, such as shelter and food, and to be beautiful all around. 

Beauty is something that homemakers add in some way or another.

You may be an excellent gardener. You are a homemaker who adds beauty to your home by planting and caring for garden flowers, green places, etc.

What if you do not like gardening? Then you add beauty to your home by placing flowers from the store on your kitchen table or the guest bathroom.

It does not matter what it is; the key is in the details and the thought behind it. Many crash pads that belong to single people are barely maintained because, for them, it’s just a crashing pad.

For a “homemaker,” your home is where you keep tidy and beautiful, or at least try to.

What are some of the duties of a homemaker?

The duties of a homemaker may include all of these, some of these, or many others. In no particular order:

1. Do the laundry
2. Cook meals
3. Decorate the house
4. Maintain the garden
5. Clean the house
6. Iron
7. Create an ambiance
8. Host parties and organize the party
9. Take care of schedules and organization of the house
10. Take care of the family budget for maintaining the home (includes monthly reconciliation of accounts etc.)
11. Help with anything else that needs repair or maintenance
12. Call a handyperson to fix things
13. Ensure you assist with other people’s needs, such as prepping for the next day’s tasks.

The list could go on and on, but one of the most important things that a homemaker does is to be present in the house by putting little touches of care and comfort in it and around it.

Add candles, scents, flowers, and lovely pictures to your decorations. To-do lists and planners are your best friends. You do not want to be unprepared as a homemaker when any holiday is approaching, and you are having people over, for example.

What if you prefer to do something other than house chores?

My best advice is to capitalize on your gifts. I, for example, cringe at the idea of ironing clothes. It is not my thing. But my husband, on the other hand, does not mind doing it.

I love washing dishes; it relaxes me, but to be fair, my husband washes the dishes after dinner every day. We help each other and capitalize on each other’s gifts and talents.

Being a homemaker is knowing how to be part of a team.

In this modern day and age, men can understand more the need to help with house chores. But, in general, one of the two must take on the whole task of Homemaking.

As we will see, Homemaking is like managing a business. The manager is the one that knows the ins and outs of the company, and so does the homemaker.

What exactly is involved in Homemaking?

Before I go on explaining, I have to give a disclaimer. Having the house squeaky clean does not mean being a good homemaker.

You can clean, but you are just the cleaning lady or gentleman if you do not care for the people in your home.

• A homemaker does things because she cares for others and their experience in their home.
• The homemaker shows they care with a warm meal, something baked, clean clothes in the drawers, ironed shirts for band practice, clean floors often, clean sheets every so often, etc.
• Putting a flower in the bathroom counts as Homemaking!

Remember to appreciate your efforts in making your home a beautiful and safe place for others.

Do you need help with your duties as a homemaker?

If you are overwhelmed with your duties as a homemaker, review your strengths and gifts and ask for help as soon as possible to rest assured things will be taken care of.

But also, remember, a clean house is not necessarily a safe, beautiful, comfortable place to be. You need peace, joy, and love in what you do!

So let’s recap what Homemaking means and its duties:

• Homemaking implies that you care for the comfort of those living or coming to your home.
• Homemaking includes but does not limit to cleaning, cooking, doing laundry, decorating, gardening, hosting, sewing clothes, doing things homemade, and making your home a beautiful place.
• Homemaking is not cleaning and cleaning without exhaustion and not working on fostering good relationships around you in your home; if this is the case, it is most likely that even if you live by yourself, people won’t want to come by to spend time at your home.

If you are single, can you be called a homemaker?

Yes! You are a homemaker as long as you have a home that welcomes people for potlucks, game nights, or a simple dinner. You are building a home worthy of making it a safe, cozy place for yourself and others.

The Art of Homemaking

Art comes into play when someone uses their creative juices to create something unique that is hard to replicate.

Have you ever noticed how every household has a unique feeling to it?

Perhaps the decoration is similar to yours, modern or minimalist, but there is always a special touch, that of the homemaker.

Your position as a homemaker gives you a say in what goes on the walls and picture frames, what your people eat during the week if there is money or not for a new item that can change the look of things, and many other things that are curetted only by you, the homemaker.

The key here is to “elevate” what seems mundane, to find creative ways for those special touches, and to bring and elicit an emotion. Your home evokes feelings like seeing a beautiful painting that may give you a certain sense of calmness or excitement.

For example, many times when I’m cooking, my husband comes into the kitchen, and the smell not only puts a big smile on his face but also makes him express delight; in other words, I can tell he is happy. Other times the feeling of opening a dresser and finding every place of cloth neatly folded and smelling fresh makes my family feel comforted and happy.

If you prefer to avoid cooking and you never fold your laundry neatly, there are other areas where you, as a homemaker, focus on creating beauty.

Like any form of art, the more you do it, the more you perfect your craft.  Remember that the end of the day is about loving others.

Homemaking Benefits

You need to see Homemaking as growing a beautiful garden. It is a lot of work, but the result is gratifying.

Water your flowers and plants regularly, pull out weeds, and sometimes use natural solutions to exterminate plagues. Homemaking is similar, sometimes you have to work on tedious things such as laundry or washing dishes, but other times you do exciting things such as learning to create fancy recipes, bake big birthday cakes, or even sawing a dress or painting a decorative piece. The result of all of this is a vibrant, full-of-life, and welcoming home.

Some people believe that Homemaking can save marriages.

I know why. When you dedicate your time and efforts to serve and help the people around you in one way or another, it shows that you are committed to the relationships and want to be part of their ability to thrive and grow.

I know my son, for example, enjoys it when I give him yummy food to fill up his belly, and my husband enjoys taking over the kitchen on the weekends (I have to close my eyes and let him cook his best creations, despite the mess). My husband serves breakfast. It is not the same as a fancy breakfast at a restaurant operated by a total stranger. Besides, my husband makes the best pancakes on the planet.

When you cook, clean, take care of the garden, do the laundry, or keep up the budget, you are present in some way or the other in the lives of those who enjoy the benefits of your labor and Homemaking. Now, let’s imagine there is no homemaker in the house. Not having someone appointed to do the chores can be a point of conflict with your spouse if they are expecting you to help with the duties and you refuse to help. It always comes down to the communication and agreement between the couple and their expectations for each other.

Homemaking makes you present, involved, engaged, and up-to-date on people’s needs and priorities. Therefore, they feel cared for and loved by you, especially your spouse. Homemaking helps maintain the relationship healthy and without the added stress of a house that is in chaos.

Homemaking can play a positive role in maintaining and strengthening marriages.

Here are some ways in which Homemaking can be a helping factor for the success of your marriage:

1. Promotes a sense of teamwork: Homemaking requires cooperation, communication, and coordination between partners. By working together to maintain a clean and comfortable living space, couples can develop a sense of shared responsibility and teamwork that can translate into other areas of their relationship.
2. Provides a sense of stability: A well-managed home can give both partners a sense of security and stability, which can be especially important during times of stress or uncertainty. Having a clean and organized living space can promote feelings of calm and reduce stress, which can help couples navigate challenges together.
3. Creates opportunities for intimacy: Homemaking can create opportunities for couples to spend time together and connect emotionally. Cooking and sharing meals, working on home improvement projects, and simply enjoying each other’s company while relaxing at home can all contribute to feelings of intimacy and closeness.
4. Shows appreciation and respect: Caring for a home and family requires much time and effort. When one partner takes on the primary responsibility for Homemaking, it can demonstrate a deep level of respect and appreciation for their partner’s contributions to the relationship. Feeling valued and appreciated can strengthen a couple’s emotional bond and increase relationship satisfaction.

Of course, it is worth noting that the division of labor in a relationship can vary widely depending on individual circumstances. Not all couples will find that traditional homemaking roles work for them. However, for teams who find value in Homemaking, it can play a positive role in maintaining a happy and healthy marriage.

Another great benefit of Homemaking is that you and your family enjoy a functional home.

Having a functional home means you have things and do things the best way for you and your family when their needs are in mind. For example, if your teenager uses a uniform to play soccer every Tuesday afternoon, guess what? There will be a system to wash that uniform before it brings dirt inside the house and to have it ready again for next Tuesday.

This system in place that a homemaker creates strengthens family relationships, just as it strengthens marriage.

I always tell my husband that things have a place. We all could use our precious time for something better than looking for car keys and misplaced pairs of shoes. A clean and organized house in our home means more time to enjoy time together, simply because we know where things are stored or put away.

These are some of the benefits and fruits of the hard work of a homemaker.

Qualities of Homemakers

What makes a good homemaker? Let’s start by saying there is always room for improvement in any enterprise. If you are a super mom that saws your daughter, dresses, and bakes and makes everything from scratch, as well as has everything ironed and cleaned once a day, your best qualities are not those things you are already accomplishing but the fact that you have been open to improve and learn.

Homemaking is a complex and challenging role that requires constant learning and improving many skills and qualities.

 

Homemaking Skills

As a homemaker, you constantly develop new skills, especially if you want to improve in certain areas or like to learn new things.

Your skills as a homemade may include cooking, baking, cleaning, organizing, budgeting, maintaining a clean home, decorating, gardening, DIY, sewing, ironing, and making all sorts of beautiful things for your house, from buckets of flowers to netting or crocheting things to decorate, woodworking, etc… As long as it involves putting time and energy into creating a functional, clean, organized, peaceful, and beautiful living space for oneself and one’s family, you can name it a homemaking skill.

Where and How to learn homemaking skills?

Many of these things are learned from your family of origin, passed on from your parents or other close relatives. Nowadays, it’s common to understand those skills by searching for a video, etc. When I got married, I realized I knew how to do things from observing my mom doing many things involving those skills, but I am always learning new things.

Let’s list some of the skills you will need to learn as a homemaker

Cooking

• * Learn basic cooking techniques
• * Try new recipes and experiment with different flavors and ingredients
• * Practice cooking for a variety of dietary needs and preferences

Cleaning

• * Create a cleaning schedule and stick to it
• * Use effective cleaning products and techniques
• * Learn how to organize and declutter effectively

Budgeting

• * Track income and expenses
• * Find ways to save money and stay within budget
• * Create systems for managing bills and other household finances

Home Maintenance

• * Learn how to identify and address fundamental home repair issues
• * Get familiar with home safety protocols
• * Familiarize yourself with preventive maintenance tasks

Decorating

• * Develop an eye for design and color
• * Learn how to select furniture and accessories that fit the space
• * Understand how to arrange furniture and artwork

Gardening

• * Learn how to select plants that are suitable for the climate and environment
• * Research effective gardening techniques and tools
• * Develop an understanding of fertilizers, soil types, and pest control

DIY Projects

• * Learn basic DIY skills like carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work
• * Effective Research methods for completing projects
• * Stay up-to-date on safety protocols

Meal Planning

• * Create a weekly meal plan that meets the needs of the household
• * Learn how to maximize food budget and reduce waste
• * Experiment with new recipes and ingredients

Child Care

• * Develop basic caretaking skills
• * Understand the basics of child development
• * Learn how to create a safe and nurturing environment

Time Management

• * Create a schedule and set goals
• * Prioritize tasks and delegate when possible
• * Develop strategies for staying focused and avoiding procrastination

Tools for Homemaking

As mentioned before, when you are a homemaker, planners, calendars, and schedules are your best friends.

Planners and Calendars

For things to happen smoothly, you need to know what is happening daily, as well as have a master calendar where you and your spouse can enter all the appointments that you create as you call people or they call you.

Creating a schedule is essential.  I go over it more in-depth in my article about How to achieve your short-term goals with five easy steps; click here to read more about it.

In a nutshell, you need to identify your priorities and give them time during the week.

• Choose the best time and day for you to plan out the week.
• Write down the days of the week across the paper and the time on a vertical column to show the morning and evening hours in at least thirty-minute increments.
• Determine at what time you and your family will go to bed,
• When you go to bed, everyone must get up at least eight hours later. Your next day starts the night before you go to bed because those hours of sleep are essential for your health.
• Fill in times for meals, and any things that need to happen, which are not only meals but also soccer practice, Dr. Appointments, or something you already scheduled for the week with other people.
• Then think about other things that need to happen regularly for your home to run smoothly, for example, a couple of hours doing home chores, such as laundry, folding the laundry, vacuuming, etc. I don’t have two days that are the same, and when at home, there is always something I can get myself busy with.
• Make sure to include breaks, and if you have babies, know that your schedule will look a lot slower (this has been the most challenging part for me of being a mom).

Take Breaks

Enjoy a picnic in your backyard for breakfast or lunch. These are my favorite things in the day, and as a homemaker, I need to be aware that my family needs those breaks as I do, as well as naps.

Make sure you include in your schedule a nap or quiet time! If you have more questions about setting up a weekly homemaking schedule, please do not hesitate to comment.

The female comedian who joked about women and Homemaking?

How to make a homemaking binder?

A homemaking binder helps keep track of household tasks, schedules, and essential information. Here are some general steps to create a homemaking binder:

1. Choose a binder: Select a large enough binder to hold all the information you want to include. Choose a clear front cover to add a label or cover page easily.
2. Decide on sections: Determine what quotes you want to include in your binder. Typical areas include a calendar, meal planning, a cleaning schedule, budgeting, and important contacts.
3. Create dividers: Once you have determined your sections, create dividers to separate each section. Use pre-made walls or create your own using cardstock or scrapbook paper.
4. Add pages: Use a hole punch to add any pages you want to include in each section. You can find free printables online or create pages using a word processor or design software.
5. Customize: Make the binder your own by adding decorative touches, such as stickers, washi tape, or photos.
6. Use and update: Use the binder to keep track of household tasks, schedules, and essential information. Make sure to update it regularly to keep it current and relevant.

Following these steps, you can create a homemaking binder to help you stay organized and on top of household tasks.

What should be in your homemaking binder?

Here are some sections and pages that you may consider including in your homemaking binder:

1. Calendar: A monthly or weekly calendar where you can keep track of appointments, birthdays, and other important dates.
2. Meal planning: A section where you can plan your weekly or monthly meals, including grocery lists and recipes.
3. Cleaning schedule: A section where you can create a cleaning schedule for your home, including daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal tasks.
4. Budgeting: A section where you can track your household expenses and create a budget. Budgeting can include bills, groceries, and other costs.
5. Important contacts: A page where you can keep significant phone numbers and contact information, such as doctors, schools, and emergency contacts.
6. Home maintenance: A section where you can keep track of home maintenance tasks, such as changing air filters and checking smoke detectors.
7. Health and wellness: A section where you can track your family’s health and wellness, including doctor’s appointments, medication schedules, and exercise routines.
8. To-do lists: A section where you can make to-do lists for various projects and tasks around the house.
9. Inspirational quotes: A page or section where you can keep inspirational quotes or affirmations to help boost your motivation and productivity.

These are just a few suggestions, but you can customize your homemaking binder to fit your needs and preferences. The goal is to create a tool to help you stay organized and on top of all your household tasks and responsibilities.

Homemaking Tips

Here are ten homemaking tips that can help you create a comfortable, organized, and welcoming home:

1. Declutter regularly: Get rid of things you don’t use or need. Decluttering can help you save time, reduce stress, and create a more organized living space.
2. Use a cleaning schedule: Create a plan that works for you and your family. A schedule will help you stay on top of household chores and keep your home clean and tidy.
3. Organize your spaces: Keep everything in its place by organizing your belongings. Use storage solutions like shelves, baskets, and bins to maximize your space.
4. Learn basic cooking skills: Cooking at home can save money and improve your health. Learn basic cooking skills to prepare healthy and delicious meals for your family.
5. Create a meal plan: once a week, jot down your meal options during the week before you go grocery shopping. Make sure you have all the ingredients. Prepare some food you will use during the week.
6. Create a budget: Creating a budget can help you manage your household finances and reduce financial stress. Track your expenses and find ways to save money.
7. Decorate with intention: Decorate your home with choice by choosing items that reflect your personality and style. Choose things that are functional and beautiful.
8. Get outside: Spend time outdoors by gardening, walking, or having a picnic. Spending time in nature can improve your mood and reduce stress.
9. Make time for self-care: Take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and relaxing.
10. Create a welcoming atmosphere: Create a welcoming atmosphere in your home using warm lighting, music, and comfortable furniture and decor.
11. Practice gratitude: Practice gratitude by taking the time to appreciate the good things in your life. Gratefulness can help you feel more positive and content in your home life.

Homemaking Tricks

Homemaking can be overwhelming, but it can be much easier to manage with some tips and tricks. Here are some tricks from various homemaking guides:

1. Establish a weekly routine to be proactive, not reactive. For example, make freezer meals in advance and vacuum your guest room regularly instead of frantically cleaning before guests arrive.
2. Use the one-minute rule to prevent clutter from building up around your home. Little things, like cups or shoes, can slowly pile up and make a mess. Take a minute to put things where they belong instead of letting them accumulate.
3. Divide and conquer when it comes to storage. Use dividers and organizers to separate your storage space into zones so that you can easily find what you need.
4. Love is what drives a homemaker. Love gets a homemaker out of bed in the morning and tucks them in at night. Remember that being helpful is an integral part of being a homemaker.
5. Create a laundry schedule to make the task less daunting. Instead of doing loads of laundry all in one day, do smaller loads more frequently throughout the week.

Grocery Shopping Trick

I have yet to try shopping for groceries online and picking them up to save time. I’ve heard fantastic things about it from homemakers who find it helpful. I go grocery shopping with my husband because, at the moment, we want to make sure we stay on budget. Unfortunately, keeping on budget for groceries means buying certain items here and others at another store.

It would be a matter of figuring out if I can order online from our different stores. Still, an essential factor is the teamwork, interaction, and experience my husband, and I get by buying groceries together. But like anything, it’s a personal choice, and online shopping may be a good trick for you to try.

Remember that Homemaking is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. These tips can be a starting point for finding what works best for you and your home.

Managing Your Home Like an Enterprise

You may have heard that “a family is like having an enterprise.

An enterprise requires organization, processes in place, plans, teamwork, and its goals are similar: to grow together and be successful in everyday tasks and overall goals throughout the years.

Therefore, when you are a homemaker, you manage many aspects that require skills, energy, motivation, creativity, and drive, among other things.

Homemaking may not be considered work experience if you apply for a job.

Because you don’t get paid to work in a professional environment that may require a degree or specific education, you may not be able to put a homemaker in your resume.

But if the person interviewing you appreciates what a homemaker does, they could realize that you should be considered for the position more than someone who does not possess the skills of a homemaker.

If the job requires skills such as time management, organization, and attention to detail, then experience in Homemaking could be relevant and valuable.

For example, suppose you are applying for a job in customer service. In that case, your experience in Homemaking may help demonstrate your ability to multitask, handle multiple priorities, and meet deadlines!

I would argue that Homemaking is more than a job, though.

As a homemaker, you deal with your family’s well-being and ensure things run smoothly. So, what makes Homemaking more than a job is that you are doing your everyday labor for free, and you do it for the most critical people on the planet: your close family and friends.

Homemaking is often considered more than just a job because:

• It involves creating a comfortable and nurturing environment for oneself and others.
• Unlike a job that one may do for a paycheck, Homemaking is a personal and ongoing effort to maintain and improve one’s living space.
• Homemaking also involves a great deal of creativity and self-expression. Creating a beautiful and functional living space requires an eye for design and the ability to make decisions about colors, patterns, and textures.
• Cooking and baking, also often part of Homemaking, allow for creative expression through the ingredients you use, the flavors you want to achieve, and the presentation you give your food.
• Homemaking involves a vital emotional component, often associated with feelings of comfort, security, and love.

For many people, their home is a sanctuary where they can relax and be themselves.

• Homemaking can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that fosters these feelings and can contribute to well-being and happiness.
• Homemaking can be a way to connect with others and build relationships.
• Preparing meals for friends and family or hosting gatherings in one’s home can be a way to develop and strengthen social connections. 
• This social aspect of Homemaking can make it feel more meaningful and fulfilling than a job done solely for financial reward.

How does society view homemakers?

I am a stay-at-home mom, a.k.a. a SAHM. If I say that to people, I think they imagine I’m at home sitting on the couch, watching Netflix all day. I could be doing that or the other thousand things I must oversee as a homemaker.

Being a SAHM does not make me automatically a homemaker. Many women work outside the home and are still homemakers. They have two jobs, one paid and one that is not.

Even if you outsource the cleaning, cooking, or whatever you need to have done in your home, if you are responsible for overseeing those tasks that maintain your home a beautiful, cozy, pleasant place to be, you are a homemaker!

Maybe next time someone asks you what you do for a living, instead of saying, “I’m a stay-at-home mom,” you can say, “I’m a homemaker and the matriarch of my family.”  Sounds pretty powerful, doesn’t it?

Procrastination is a big topic that I won’t tackle here, but one crucial thing to remember is that we procrastinate when we don’t want to do something. We may find it too tedious or repetitive.

When there is no other option, and you are the only one that can get things done, one thing that helps me is to get into the habit of doing things immediately as I think about them. For example, if I remember I need to do some laundry, I won’t sit and think about it because I will convince myself I have more important things to do. Instead, I’m going to stand up quickly, I’m going to get the dirty clothes, and I’m going to put the machine to work.

Also, I will consider the importance of keeping up with it to stay manageable. If it accumulates, I won’t have time to do things that I enjoy doing more, such as cooking or gardening. People used to have to make time to go to the river to wash their clothes; I have it super easy now, so a quick load into the washing machine is doable.

How do you deal with Homemaking when it feels like you do the same thing repeatedly?

You do some things repeatedly, but you must consciously accept the not-so-pretty or glamorous part of Homemaking. In life, everything is part of a season. The things that you can do now you will need help with later when you can’t be the homemaker anymore.

Resolve to enjoy the repetitive aspects of Homemaking. Also, try to make it more pleasant or fun. Folding the laundry has become a moment to relax and watch TV because it doesn’t require my total concentration.

How to balance motherhood and Homemaking?

You create a balance with a schedule!

When you create a schedule, you can make one that works for you and your children and a separate one for your spouse. Understandably, you only have time for some things you want to do, but you can achieve many more things with a schedule than without one.

If you have tiny babies, as we mentioned before, you will be ok with things going slower and accomplishing less. The house may need to be cleaner than when they didn’t have children; the decoration may become minimalist because the baby grabs everything. Pick your battles, and make your life easier, not harder.

It would be best to be flexible, especially when you have children. As a mom, I prioritize my child over the endless tasks of my homemaking journey. And as we said before, everything is a season. If you have been trying to improve your skills as a homemaker, those skills will help you determine what is essential at the moment to attend to the children and keep the home running smoothly.

What type of business is Homemaking?

Homemaking is not a business but is like running a small business. Your job is to ensure the house runs smoothly, it’s a pleasant place to be, and you serve those who live with you. You likely do not get paid, but you manage your household budgets for groceries, outings, donations, and personal and gas money.

How to balance Homemaking as a working mom?

As a blogger, a wife, and a homemaker, I can relate to women who have joined the working force. It takes work. Now more than ever is necessary to talk to your spouse and get a helping hand in some way or another. It may also mean that things don’t get done as quickly as you were at home full-time. But that is ok.

You must be ok with what you can do and what needs to wait. Make lists of tasks and tackle them on one of your days off. Take turns cooking, doing laundry, or taking out the trash. You probably know this, but you will see the fruits of your homemaking labor in the proportion you invest time in. Working from home has been an incredible gift because it takes less time away from our homemaking journey.

Are there men who are good at Homemaking?

Let’s talk about men who are good at Homemaking. Every man can be good at Homemaking. For example, when your husband takes out the trash, cuts the grass, grills a meal, buys groceries, washes dishes, or cuts more wood for the fireplace, he is a homemaker. Don’t take those tasks away from him even if you think you are better at them. Practice makes perfect, and in psychology, we say that motivation dies when you don’t let the person do things with their flare.

Homemaking Resources:

Book:  “How Jen does it” by Jenifer Gershman offers advice and insights on balancing work and life as a working mother. The book discusses various topics, including time management, organization, prioritization, and self-care. It provides practical tips and strategies to help working mothers juggle a career and family responsibilities. The book aims to empower working mothers to create a fulfilling and successful life that integrates their personal and professional goals.

Book:  “A Plan for Joy in the Home” Downloadable Workbook by Laura Dominick and illustrated by Shaylynn Rackers. It is an easy-to-follow, do-it-yourself workbook that helps organize your day, put disorder, disruption, and distraction in their place, and bring more peace and joy to your home. The book’s website, www.aplanforjoyinthehome.com, provides additional information and resources for Catholic homeschooling moms to tame the overwhelm and enjoy the journey.

Book:  “Graced and Gifted” Biblical Wisdom for the Homemaker’s Heart” by Kimberly Hahn offers biblical-based tools and advice for creating a warm, peaceful, and beautiful home where the needs of loved ones can be met. The book is part of a series of Bible studies based on Proverbs 31. It teaches time management, creating a pleasant environment, food preparation, and the importance of making meals a time of communion, among other things.

Read: How to Read More with These 11 Easy and Effective Tips

What did I learn about Homemaking from the older generation?

Learning from the older generation can offer valuable insights and wisdom about Homemaking. Here are some things you may have learned from them:

1. Practical skills: The older generation often knows practical homemaking skills, such as cooking from scratch, sewing, and home repairs.
2. Resourcefulness: Many older homemakers were raised during economic hardship and have developed resourceful and frugal habits that can be useful in managing a household budget.
3. Importance of routines: Older homemakers often stress the importance of routines and schedules in maintaining a clean and organized home. They may have established daily, weekly, and monthly practices for cleaning and other household tasks.
4. Family values: Older homemakers often prioritize family values, such as spending quality time together, maintaining solid relationships, and creating a warm and welcoming home environment.
5. Self-sufficiency: The older generation may have a strong sense of self-sufficiency and independence in homemaking tasks. They may believe in doing things themselves rather than relying on outside help or convenience products.
6. Patience and perseverance: Many older homemakers have learned the value of patience and perseverance in managing a household. They know that it takes time and effort to maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming home.

Overall, learning from the older generation can offer valuable insights and perspectives on Homemaking that can help us improve our skills and approaches to managing a household.

Christian Homemaking

What does the bible state or say about Homemaking?

The Bible does not explicitly mention Homemaking but the importance of caring for one’s family and having a hospitable home.

According to GotQuestions.org, “Biblical Homemaking happens when a wife and mother makes her home and family her top priority. Her time, effort, and finances reflect her concern for her family. She has set aside other full-time ventures to dedicate her attention to her husband and children.”

What is the point of Homemaking for Christians?

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming and hospitable home for others. As the apostle Peter writes in 1 Peter 4:9, “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 

Furthermore, Homemaking is a God-given calling and a way to serve and honor Him. Focus on the family notes, “With this thought as background, we’d suggest that a homemaker, as a nurturer of children and a shaper of an environment where they can grow, thrive, and flourish, is a creative artist of the highest degree.”

In conclusion, while the Bible does not explicitly talk about Homemaking, it does emphasize the importance of caring for one’s family and creating a hospitable home, which Christians see as a way to serve and honor God.

Why is Homemaking so crucial to a husband? From a Christian perspective

From a Christian perspective, Homemaking is vital to a husband because it allows a wife to fulfill her biblical role as a helper to her husband and a nurturer to her children.

In Titus 2:4-5, women are encouraged to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, and to work at home. This biblical view emphasizes the importance of a wife’s domestic efforts to serve her family and glorify God. In addition, Homemaking provides a peaceful and welcoming environment for the family, which can be a source of comfort and strength for a husband.

Here’s a prayer for homemakers from www.holylandprayer.com:

Dear God, I come before you today to ask for your blessings upon all homemakers. I pray for strength, wisdom, and guidance as they carry out their daily tasks of caring for their families and homes.

Lord, I pray that You grant them the patience to deal with the challenges of Homemaking, the creativity to make their homes a place of warmth and comfort, and the perseverance to continue even when things get tough.

You will help them find joy in their work and see the value in the small things they do daily. I pray their homes will be a place of refuge and peace, filled with love, laughter, and good memories.

Lord, I pray that you would bless them with the resources they need to meet their families needs, whether financial, emotional, or spiritual. I pray they will feel your presence with them each day and turn to you for strength and guidance.

Thank you, God, for the gift of homemakers. May they be honored and respected for their vital work, and may they always know the love and grace that comes from you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Homemaking As a Business

How can you make money with your homemaking skills?

If you have homemaking skills, there are several ways to turn them into a source of income. Here are some ideas:

1. Start a cleaning or organizing business: Offer professional cleaners or organizer services. You can advertise your services online or through local advertising and build a customer base.
2. Become a personal chef: If you love cooking, you can become a private chef and cook meals for busy families or individuals. You can advertise your services online or through local advertising and build a customer base.
3. Offer laundry or ironing services: Many people need more time or patience to do their laundry or ironing. You can offer your services to these people for a fee.
4. Start a home-based daycare: If you enjoy being around children, starting a home-based daycare can be a great way to earn money while using your homemaking skills to create a safe and nurturing environment.
5. Sell homemade crafts or goods: If you enjoy knitting, sewing, or crafting, you can create unique homemade items and sell them online or at local markets.
6. Become a home stager: Use your homemaking skills to stage homes for sale or rent. You can advertise your services to real estate agents or directly to homeowners.
7. Offer pet-sitting or dog-walking services: Many busy pet owners need someone to care for their pets while at work or on vacation. You can offer your services as a pet sitter or dog walker.

Remember that starting a business or offering services will require time and money, so research and create a solid business plan before starting.

What is homemaking skills validation?

Homemaking skills validation is a process that involves assessing the competency of individuals who provide homemaker services. In Colorado, individuals wishing to deliver unsupervised homemaker services must have at least eight hours of training or have passed a skills validation test. The training or skills validation must include the following:

• Proper food handling and storage techniques.
• Basic infection control techniques.
• Other relevant skills are detailed in the regulations.

Are Personal Care Homemakers natural homemakers?

Yes! The only difference is that they care for the home that belongs to the person they are getting paid to watch for. Also, they may have tasks that a regular homemaker needs to have. Let’s take a look at the definition of a personal care homemaker:

• A personal care homemaker is a trained professional who assists with daily living activities for individuals who require some support.
• Personal care homemakers may work in private homes, group homes, or other residential settings.
• They may help with cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, and medication management.
• They may also provide personal care services such as bathing, grooming, and dressing.
• Personal care homemakers are essential in helping individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.

What are homemaking services?

Homemaking services refer to the non-medical services provided by social services to help older people and disabled, injured, or ill adults maintain self-sufficiency and prevent placement into foster care or residential care without other resources.

Homemaking services include tasks related to household management, such as housework, housekeeping, housewifery, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and other domestic concerns. Professional homemakers’ services provide full-time or a few hours per week as added support for family caregivers. It is important to note that Medicare doesn’t pay for these services if they are unrelated to the care plan.

Fun Facts About Homemaking

Several women have hosted homemaking shows on TV over the years. Some of the most well-known include:

1. Martha Stewart – Martha Stewart is a lifestyle expert who has hosted several homemaking shows on TV, including “Martha Stewart Living” and “Martha.”
2. Rachael Ray – While Rachael Ray is primarily known for her cooking shows, she has also hosted “Rachael Ray’s Week in a Day,” which includes homemaking tips and tricks.
3. Joanna Gaines – Joanna Gaines and her husband Chip hosted the popular home renovation show “Fixer Upper” on HGTV. She is also an interior designer and author.
4. Ina Garten – Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa, has hosted several cooking and entertaining shows on TV. Her performances often include tips for Homemaking and entertainment.
5. Martha Quinn – Martha Quinn is a former VJ on MTV who has hosted several home renovation and homemaking shows on TV.

There have been several women who have written funny articles on Homemaking over the years. Here are a few:

1. Erma Bombeck: Erma Bombeck was a humorist and newspaper columnist who wrote about the joys and challenges of family life and Homemaking. She published several books of humorous essays, including “The Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank” and “If Life Is a Bowl of Cherries, What Am I Doing in the Pits?”
2. Jean Kerr: Jean Kerr was a playwright and humorist who wrote several books of humorous essays on family life and Homemaking, including “Please Don’t Eat the Daisies” and “The Snake Has All the Lines.”
3. Peg Bracken: Peg Bracken was a writer and humorist who wrote several books on cooking and Homemaking, including “The I Hate to Cook Book” and “The I Hate to Housekeep Book.”
4. Irma S. Rombauer: Irma S. Rombauer was the author of the popular cookbook “Joy of Cooking,” which includes recipes, humorous anecdotes, and homemaker tips.

Conclusion

Homemaking is a gratifying and challenging undertaking, but there are many skills, tips, tricks, tools, and resources you will use and develop if you embark on the journey. If you are already on this fascinating journey or are just starting, I hope this guide was helpful. Let me know in the comments, and happy Homemaking!