Household Talk

The Transfer of Power

About one week after I started freelance writing, my husband was laid off. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, and he took over the role I have held all these years – the keeper of the house. He takes care of the kids, watching them while I work in my office, and does all the cooking and most of the cleaning. I couldn’t do what I do without him, but the transfer of power has been a hard internal struggle for me. Read more about The Transfer of Power

Do You Send Thank You Cards?

I frequently battle with the guilt of being socially irresponsible when it comes to sending cards. Our family does not send out Christmas cards, birthday cards or even thank you cards. I prefer the personal aspect of a phone call or visit over sending a card, but because it is so common to send cards, I often feel as though I am hurting feelings or doing something wrong. Read more about Do You Send Thank You Cards?

How Often Do You Smile at Your Spouse?

Compared to many couples, we have not been married that long, but we are approaching eight years now and it definitely seems as though the novelty has worn off. Add to this the fact that we just had another baby, and I am beginning to notice how little time my husband and I spend enjoying each other’s company anymore. I have also noticed how little we stop and smile at each other, and it got me thinking that in this New Year, perhaps we should prioritize those little things a little more. Read more about How Often Do You Smile at Your Spouse?

Does a Chore List Help You Stay Focused?

"If you have kids, creating lists for each person can help define roles and teach kids personal responsibility."

It takes a surprising amount of work to manage a household. Between regular daily chores, managing meals and shopping, and the myriad other things to do around a home, it can be hard to keep track of who needs to do what and when. Read more about Does a Chore List Help You Stay Focused?

Who Cooks When Both Work?

This is a question that often comes up in dual-income households. Traditionally, if one person stays at home, it is easier for them to cook dinners and take care of the home, but when both people are working, how do you decide who does the cooking? Read more about Who Cooks When Both Work?

Should You Buy Life Insurance?

"A basic life insurance policy is quite affordable, even for those on a tight budget."

To some, premiums for life insurance are an unnecessary expense. If you are young, short on cash and do not have very many assets, it may be true that life insurance will provide no real benefit. If you have a family, a home or mortgage and other considerable assets, life insurance can help protect your survivors from financial hardships if you die. Read more about Should You Buy Life Insurance?

Sharing Control of Finances is a Good Idea

As I near the end of my pregnancy, I have started thinking about all of the contingencies. Things can happen at any time, and if I were to die right now or be otherwise unable to manage our finances, my husband would be completely at a loss. I know my situation is not unique, so I want to talk today about how important it is for both partners to be involved in the day-to-day household finances. Read more about Sharing Control of Finances is a Good Idea