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Role of Women in the Management of Household
Responsibilities
Dr. Radhika Kapur
Abstract
The role of women in the management of household responsibilities is regarded as an
integral part of their lives within the country. This aspect is regarded important since ancient
times. In the modern period, transformations came about in their lives and women
participated in acquisition of education and employment opportunities. In spite of their
participation in these areas, they rendered a significant contribution in the management of the
household responsibilities. In the management of household responsibilities, it is vital for
women to acquire information in terms of various aspects. These include, child development,
health care and well-being, diet and nutrition, cleanliness, maintenance and so forth. In
addition, they need to possess effective communication skills and interact with individuals
within and outside the home in an effective manner. The main areas that have been taken into
account in this research paper include, participation in decision making on different aspects,
leadership roles of women, types of household responsibilities, and the influence of multi-
roles of women on household responsibilities carried out by children.
Keywords: Decision Making, Education, Household Responsibilities, Leadership
Roles, Management
The role of women in the management of household responsibilities is regarded to be
of utmost significance within the country since ancient times. Since, the ancient times, this
viewpoint has been prevalent among the individuals that women need to be trained in terms
of the implementation of household responsibilities. The major cause for the prevalence of
this viewpoint is, it was believed that women are not meant to get enrolled in schools to
acquire education, nor they are capable of getting engaged in any types of employment
opportunities, instead, they should remain within the household and acquire knowledge and
information in terms of various types of household responsibilities. In ancient India, women
were respected, but in the medieval period, they began to experience a decline in their status
and experience discriminatory treatment. Whereas, in modern period, they began to recognize
the significance of education, employment opportunities and brought about improvements
within their overall quality of lives.
Management of household responsibilities is not an easy task. The individuals need to
work diligently and pay adequate attention towards all areas. There are number of aspects, in
terms of which individuals need to develop their skills and abilities and generate awareness.
These include, washing, cleaning, preparation of meals, repair work, looking after the
furniture, infrastructure and other tools and equipment, child development and taking care of
the needs and requirements of other family members. Whereas, in rural communities, apart
from the implementation of various household responsibilities, the individuals even are
involved in the rearing of livestock. Hence, they are required to be efficient in the
implementation of household responsibilities. In mostly urban communities, when
individuals are unable to implement various tasks, then they need to contact other service
providers, such as, cleaners, gardeners, cooks, drivers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians,
painters, and so forth. Hence, supervising them, maintaining contacts with them, making
decisions etc. are also integral parts of household management. In primarily rural
communities, girls are trained from the initial stage in the implementation of household
responsibilities.
Participation in Decision Making on Different Aspects
Decision making is regarded as an integral part of the management of household
responsibilities. Usually women are the ones, who are required to make all the decisions,
whether major or minor. This is normally, when they are living alone with one or two family
members. On the other hand, they may obtain ideas and suggestions from the other
individuals, particularly, when they are residing in joint families. The participation of women
in terms of the decision making processes have been understood with regards to following
aspects:
Participation in Decision Making in Domestic Affairs
In the implementation of domestic affairs, the decision making is taken on the basis of
number of factors. These are, purchase of different items from the market place of daily
needs, such as, toiletries, towels, pillow covers, bed covers, and other items, which are
utilized within the household. Another important factor is, purchase of food items and
preparation of meals. With regards to the purchase of food items and preparation of meals,
women need to make decisions in accordance to the needs and requirements of other
individuals. Food and nutrition security at the household level is dependent mainly upon the
efforts of women to take care of their health care requirements (Baba, Zain, Idris, & Sanni,
2015). For instance, when the elderly members of the family prefer eating healthy food, and
avoid fast and sugary foods, then it is vital for them to ensure that they do not provide them
these food items. Decisions need to be made in terms of repair and maintenance of the house.
For instance, within the house, if there is broken furniture or a leaking tap, then women need
to contact the concerned service providers to get them repaired.
Child development, in other words, taking care of the needs and requirements of the
children is also a major domestic affair, which women need to pay attention to. From the
initial stage, they need to generate awareness in terms of the dietary needs of the children, get
them enrolled in schools, ensure that they are doing well academically and get them involved
in activities, to ensure their effective growth and development. Usually, mothers are the ones,
who also need to make visits to the schools of the children and meet with the teachers. They
need to be aware in terms of how their children are performing academically. Whereas, when
a child experiences setbacks in the academic performance, then it is the responsibility of the
mother to find out the causes, and make improvements to generate desired academic
outcomes.
Participation in Decision Making Regarding Finances
Financial resources are regarded to be of utmost significance on the basis of which,
the implementation of all tasks and activities takes place. These are required in the
implementation of household responsibilities, making purchases, travelling, learning and
education and in bringing about improvements in the overall livelihoods of the individuals.
The participation of women in the making of decisions regarding finances was observed to a
lesser extent, primarily within the households, where they are merely home-makers (Baliyan,
2014). When the women are not engaged in any business or employment, then they merely
are dependent upon the male members of the household to give them money. Hence, when
limited amount is given, when the families experience financial problems, then they are
required to make spending only on necessary things. On the other hand, among wealthy
families, when finances is not a problem, then the individuals also tend to spend on luxury
items and things, which are not necessary. In such cases, women usually make spending
without being overwhelmed by major concerns.
In India, number of families are residing in the conditions of poverty. The conditions
of poverty are primarily characterised by lack of resources. This is apparent, when they will
not possess adequate resources, then they would experience setbacks, even in fulfilling their
basic needs. When they are engaged in minority jobs, which are not high paying jobs, then
women need to be cautious in terms of making decisions, regarding how to make effective
use of financial resources. Apart from meeting the daily livelihoods requirements, individuals
are also required to make savings for future. For instance, it has been observed, from the
initial stage, parents make savings for their children, so they can provide them good
education and make their future secure. Hence, important decisions need to be made
regarding savings. Apart from savings, individuals make investments, for the purpose of
sustaining their livelihoods better. Hence, it is vital to possess awareness in terms of these
factors.
Participation in Decision Making regarding Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities are regarded to be an indispensable aspect on the basis of
which, the lives of the individuals are centred. The management of the household
responsibilities, livelihoods opportunities, personality traits and overall quality of lives are
dependent upon the work or employment opportunities that the individuals are engaged in. In
the present existence, the individuals and groups, belonging to poverty stricken, marginalized,
and economically backward sections of the society are also recognizing the significance of
education. The parents aspire to get their children educated, even when they are not educated.
There has been prevalence of the viewpoint that with the acquisition of education, one would
be able to make effective decisions regarding employment opportunities. A well-educated
woman, for instance, who has acquired a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) educational
qualification and a masters degree in education would be able to enhance awareness in terms
of number of employment opportunities. These include, teaching, administrator, research and
writing, curriculum assistant, co-ordinator of curriculum and instruction and so forth.
Therefore, they need to make wise decisions, particularly in terms of the fields, in which they
are willing to work.
Women need to take into consideration number of factors and ensure that employment
opportunities are suitable in accordance to their needs and requirements. Some of the
important factors are, location of home from the workplace, pay and reimbursements,
working environmental conditions, job duties, training and development programs, timings,
and ones skills and abilities. When they are unable to make decisions on their own, then they
are required to seek ideas and suggestions from family members, and friends. Another crucial
aspect, which is required to be taken into account is, when women experience problems in
finding employment opportunities, then they are required to seek career counselling from
experts. Career counsellors provide them solutions to their problems, by making use of
professional strategies and approaches.
Participation in Various Tasks and Activities outside the Home
Girls and women, belonging to all age-groups, categories and backgrounds feel
pleasurable and contented especially, when they are engaged in various tasks and activities
outside of their homes. These include, social, cultural, economic, political, religious and
creative activities. Their participation in these activities is primarily dependent upon their
personality traits, age, interests and abilities. For example, a young girl of 18 years, would
develop interest and enthusiasm regarding participating in creative activities, which include,
singing, music, dancing, role plays, artworks, handicrafts and so forth. Whereas, an elderly
woman of 75, would take pleasure in social activities. Elderly women, normally feel
contented by getting involved in various forms of social activities. Types of social activities
are, making provision of tuition classes to the children, belonging to economically weaker
sections of the society or providing medical check-ups, if they have been engaged in medical
professions. Hence, participation in various tasks and activities are usually based on the
professions of the individuals.
Cultural activities normally are the activities that are based upon cultural traits,
values, principles, norms and standards. The women, normally belonging to rural
communities take an active part in various forms of cultural activities. In India, religious
activities have acquired significance in every society and region. Individuals, belonging to
various religious groups implement religious values and practices in the implementation of
various functions. Elderly women are the ones, who normally feel pleasurable when they
make visits to religious places, participate in religious functions and within home also they
listen to religious hymns and watch television programs, based on religion. Research has
indicated that not only elderly women, but also girls and women of middle ages, develop
interest and enthusiasm in watching religious programs on television and making visits to
religious places. Women need to make effective decisions regarding participation in different
activities. The decisions are made, taking into consideration, number of factors, such as,
interest and enthusiasm, personality traits, support and assistance from the family members,
and possession of knowledge and skills.
Leadership Roles of Women
Leadership is regarded as the form of dominance, which is built by personal
capability, which is able to invite or encourage the other individuals to perform something on
the basis of the acceptance of the group of individuals. Leadership proposes particular
competence for a specific condition (Lantara, 2015). In the implementation of household
management, women too are required to put into practice certain leadership roles and these
have been stated as follows:
Planning – When implementing various tasks and activities, it is vital to put into
practice the planning function. Planning bridges the gap between where one is in the present
and where one needs to be in future. In the management of the household responsibilities,
there are number of aspects, which need to be planned by the women. For instance, when
they are required to prepare a food item, which they are not much skilled at, then too, they
need to plan the methods and obtain adequate knowledge in terms of ingredients and methods
that are to be used. Other aspects that require planning are, repair work, management of
infrastructure and so forth.
Organizing – The meaning of the term ‘organizing’ is establishing, forming and
shaping. In the household management, women are vested with the responsibility of
organizing various functions and events within the household. For instance, in some of the
households, when individuals are religious-minded and follow religious customs, norms,
values and traditions, then they organize rituals and ceremonies, normally once a year, or in
the time period of six months or on monthly basis. Hence, in the organization of various
cultural, religious or social customs, number of factors need to be adequately organized, these
are, creative activities, food arrangement, individuals involved, finances and so forth.
Directing – In order to put into operation, leadership roles in an effective manner,
women need to possess efficient knowledge in terms of directing. Directing is referred to
guiding and leading the individuals in the right direction. Within the household, women are
required to implement this function not only towards their children, but also towards other
members of the family. The function of directing is primarily carried out towards bringing
about effective growth and development of the children. But apart from children, women also
put into practice this function towards their husbands, and in-laws. Their main objective is to
make provision of proper ideas and suggestions to them, with the purpose of ensuring their
benefit.
Controlling – Controlling is a comprehensive aspect, which takes into consideration,
number of factors, these are, governing, regulating, guiding, monitoring and supervising.
Women are required to implement these aspects in the management of household
responsibilities to a major extent. Controlling is required in various aspects, which include,
household chores, health care needs, financial planning, peaceful conflict resolution methods,
and creation of an amiable and pleasant environmental conditions within home. It is one of
the major responsibilities of women within the household to ensure that family members
maintain effective terms and relationships with each other. For this purpose, they not only
provide them information in terms of morality and ethics, but also control their tasks and
activities.
Co-ordinating – In some cases, when women have their own businesses or are
entrepreneurs or even when they are employed in leadership positions in various
organizations, then co-ordination is one of the important leadership roles. It is primarily
referred to bringing different individuals or elements and enabling their working in a
harmonious manner. It is also referred to organizing the activities of two or more groups, so
that they work efficiently and know what others are doing. In this case, they are required to
co-ordinate the tasks and activities of individuals in an appropriate manner. In the function of
co-ordinating, they need to ensure that when the tasks performed by one individual influence
others, then the individuals need to be informed adequately.
Decision Making – As it has been stated above, decision making is regarded as an
integral part of the management of household chores on a daily basis. The decisions can be
minor, such as, making selection between food items, which need to be prepared or major,
with regards to making selection between career options. In the making of decisions,
normally women seek ideas and suggestions from the family members, when they are having
an impact upon their lives as well. When women communicate to their family members in
terms of their problems, particularly the elderly, then they not only will be able to acquire
useful ideas and suggestions, but also would be able to maintain effective terms and
relationships with them. For instance, when women are engaged in full-time jobs, then they
need to inform others and obtain their approval. As in their absence, the other members of the
household will be able to plan their daily life activities.
Communication Skills – To implement leadership roles in an operative manner,
women are required to possess effective communication skills. They need to communicate in
a polite and decent manner with their children, husbands and other family members,
especially, when they are living in joint families. When they communicate their viewpoints
and perspectives, as well as listen to others and then make provision of useful ideas and
suggestions, then they would be able to exercise their leadership roles in an efficient manner.
Even when women are engaged in full-time jobs or other activities, then too, it is vital for
them to take out time for their family members.
Knowledge and Information – The possession of adequate knowledge and information
is regarded to be of utmost significance, particularly, when women are putting into operation,
the leadership roles. For instance, when they are responsible for guiding their children in their
studies, then it is vital for them to possess efficient knowledge and information in terms of
the subjects. In rural communities, usually girls are trained in terms of implementation of
various types of household responsibilities from the initial stage. It is the responsibility of
their mothers to provide them efficient training in terms of cleaning, washing, preparation of
meals and so forth. Within the Indian society, normally in urban communities, cleaners and
helpers are hired to perform the jobs of cleaning, washing, sweeping etc. but girls need to be
trained in terms of cooking and for this purpose, women within the household need to possess
adequate knowledge and information.
Morality and Ethics – Morality and ethics are regarded as integral aspects that are
regarded as significant in order to lead an enhanced life. In the implementation of various
tasks and activities and primarily when dealing with others, it is vital to put into practice the
traits of morality and ethics. Women are vested with the responsibility to impart knowledge
regarding these aspects to their children and they too should make use of them within their
lives. Important morality and ethics are, honesty, truthfulness and righteousness. When the
individuals possess efficient knowledge in terms of these, then, they are able to achieve their
professional and personal goals.
Personality Traits – The personality traits of women also matter to a major extent in
the implementation of leadership roles. When women possess an introvert nature, they do not
take pleasure in interacting with others, do not enjoy going outside the home and mainly keep
to themselves. In such cases, they experience problems in exercising leadership roles. This is
primarily common in the case of elderly women, who are widowed and either live alone or
with their adult children. On the other hand, when women possess an extrovert nature, take
pleasure in socializing with others, and are even engaged in employment or other activities,
then they are able to exercise leadership roles efficiently. Hence, it is vital for women to
render an active participation in the implementation of tasks and activities and possess a
sociable and an approachable nature. Furthermore, they need to put into practice, resolution
techniques in a peaceful manner, especially in the cases of conflicting situations.
Types of Household Responsibilities
The types of household responsibilities have been stated as follows:
Cleaning - Cleaning is regarded as one of the important household responsibilities,
which the individuals are required to perform on a daily basis. It is referred to as cleaning the
floor, furniture, equipment, machinery, tools, appliances and so forth. In order to perform this
task in an effective manner, the individuals need to possess adequate knowledge in terms of
the materials that are to be used. In some cases, when one’s housing accommodation is large,
then this job is not manageable for women, and they may hire helpers. Whereas, when the
housing accommodation is small, then women and other individuals within the household
may perform this job on their own. In some cases, when the individuals, belong to
marginalized and socio-economically backward sections of the society, then they are
normally engaged in minority jobs, which are not very highly paid. Hence, they are required
to carry out this household job on their own.
Washing - Washing is primarily concerned with the washing of clothes. In urban
communities, normally individuals make use of washing machines to wash clothes as well as
other materials that are used within the household, such as table cloths, bed covers, pillow
covers, towels and so forth. Whereas, in rural communities, individuals carry out this
function on their own, manually, as they do not have access to electricity. In some of the rural
communities, the families experience shortage of water and electricity. Therefore, they are
required to obtain water, either from wells or nearby water bodies. The household
responsibility of washing is normally based upon number of family members, residing within
the house. If the number of family members are one to three, then they may carry out this
task, once a week, whereas, if there are more than three family members, then they may carry
out this task, twice a week. In some cases, particularly when individuals are required to wear
uniforms at work, and they just have couple of pieces, then they may wash them either on
daily basis or alternate days.
Preparation of Meals – It is the major responsibility of women to take care of the
health care needs and requirements of their family members and themselves. It has been
studied that women, primarily get engaged in the preparation of meals, as they begin their
day. This is common among the households, particularly when they need to pack lunches for
their husbands and children. In the preparation of meals, it is vital for them to possess
adequate knowledge and skills in terms of the ingredients used and methods of preparation.
When there are elderly members within the family, and they experience various health
problems, such as, heart problems or diabetes, then they need to ensure that they do not
prepare oily or sugary foods much frequently. In some cases, elderly women, particularly the
ones, who are living alone, do not prepare meals much frequently, as individuals take
pleasure in consuming their meals, when they are accompanied by others. On the other hand,
this job takes place to a large extent, when the individuals are living with their families.
Paying Bills – Paying of bills is also regarded as one of the important aspects that
need to be taken care of on a regular basis. In the present existence, usually three bills are
important in management of the household responsibilities, electricity, water and gas. In
addition to these, internet is available in all households and individuals also require
television. Hence, they are required to pay their internet and television bills. Paying of bills
on time is the responsibility of all the family members. When children grow up, then they too
need to ensure that bills are paid on time. When men are engaged in full-time jobs and
women are home-makers, then usually women make sure that they pay all the bills on time.
With advancements taking place, internet and mobile technology can be easily used to pay
the bills. For this purpose, it is vital for children as well as women to be informative in terms
of usage of technology.
Purchase of Items – Purchase of items from the market or online is an indispensable
household responsibility. The purchases that are to be made by individuals, usually depends
upon the number of family members within the house and the extent to which they make use
of various items. For instance, the purchase of various food items is done on a daily basis or
on alternate days, such as, milk, fruits etc. Whereas, the purchase of other items, such as,
clothes, may be done by the individuals on a monthly basis or once in three to six months. On
the other hand, purchase of electronics, or technological items may be done by the individuals
once a year or once in couple of years. Apart from the purchase of food items, the other items
are purchased by the individuals, on the basis of their extent of use. The other factors that
need to be taken into consideration in the purchase of items are, financial position, number of
family members, work that individuals are engaged in and areas of interest.
Health Care – Women are primarily vested with the job responsibility of taking care
of the needs and requirements of the family members. They need to make provision of
knowledge as well as assist them or motivate them to get engaged in various activities that
would promote their health care and well-being. In terms of health care, individuals are
required to take care of their physical and psychological health. Diet and nutrition is one of
the indispensable aspects that individuals need to pay attention to. But apart from diet and
nutrition, the other factors that one needs to take into account are, getting engaged in physical
activities, establishing positive thinking and establishing good terms and relationships with
the family members, which in turn will promote an amiable home environment. Establishing
positive thinking and good terms and relationships with others within as well as outside the
home are vital to maintain one’s psychological health conditions.
Taking Care of Siblings – In primarily rural communities, individuals are mostly
employed in agriculture and farming practices. Young girls, normally are required to stay at
home and take care of their younger siblings, particularly when their parents go to work. In
rural communities, usually there are three or more children in the families, hence, older girls
are vested with the responsibility of taking care of their younger siblings. When the siblings
are below three years of age, then they are required to carry out number of job duties, such as,
taking care of their activities of daily living, which include, feeding them, bathing them,
dressing and even assisting them in playing. On the other hand, when the siblings are above
three years of age and go to school, then they are also required to assist them in their
homework assignments, provided if they are aware. In most cases, girls, belonging to rural
communities are prevented from going to schools or participate in other activities, mainly to
take care of their siblings and perform other household chores.
Taking care of the Needs of Elderly Individuals – In old age, individuals usually
experience number of health problems. These include, pain in the joints, diabetes, heart
problems, and other illnesses. In some cases, they are not ambulatory and need assistance to
even carry out the activities of daily living, such as, eating, bathing, dressing, toileting and
transferring. It is the major responsibility of the women to take care of the needs and
requirements of the elderly individuals. They need to provide them proper diet, suitable to
their health conditions, they need to ensure that they take their medicines on time, they need
to take them to the physicians and get their medical check-up done on a regular basis,
communicate with them in an appropriate manner and ensure they do not feel neglected and
lonely. Research has indicated that elderly individuals feel pleasurable in interacting with
their grandchildren, listening to religious hymns, watching religious programs on television
and making visits to parks for walks, religious places and so forth. Therefore, family
members need to support them in their participation in various tasks and activities.
Child Development – Child development is regarded as one of the indispensable
factors that women need to implement. From the initial stage, they are required to pay
adequate attention towards fulfilment of the needs and requirements of their children. When
the child begins to go to nursery school, then it is the responsibility of their mothers to take
them to school and bring them back. Whereas, at a later stage, the mothers need to supervise
them in their studies, participation in creative activities and inculcate within them traits of
morality and ethics. As the children, begin to grow, apart from academics, they develop
interest in extra-curricular activities as well, such as, sports, physical activities, singing,
dancing, role playing, playing of musical instruments, artworks, handicrafts and so forth.
Mothers are the ones, who need to guide and lead their children in the right direction. Within
the society, fathers too are normally concerned for their children and focus upon their growth
and development. But, usually they are engaged in full-time jobs, hence, mothers are mainly
vested with the responsibility of carrying out the function of child development.
Other Tasks and Activities – In the management of household responsibilities, when it
is stated, other tasks and activities, then it usually is referred to the job duties that one cannot
carry out on their own and need to obtain assistance from others. These include, electric
work, repair work, gardening, plumbing, painting, and in some cases, even driving and
cooking. In order to get these jobs done, individuals need to make contacts with the providers
of these services and call them to their homes. To get these tasks done in an effective manner,
mostly individuals need to supervise these workers. Even when they do not possess adequate
knowledge in terms of their fields, though observing is considered vital. Elderly individuals
normally do not feel comfortable in driving in some of the urban areas, hence, they need to
make use of the services provided by the drivers. In most cases, women are skilled in terms
of preparation of meals, but mostly, when they experience health problems and are not
ambulatory, then they are required to hire cooks.
The Influence of Multi-roles of Women on Household Responsibilities
carried out by Children
Multi-roles of women in the domestic sectors and private sectors have had a
significant impact upon the behaviour, structure, function and socio-cultural factors upon the
household (Rosada, & Nurliani, 2016). Theorists describe the successful performance of the
children in the management of the household. Hence, measures and approaches that women
put into practice to provide training to their children has an imperative influence of the multi-
roles of women. Furthermore, self-care tasks are regarded as fundamental experiences as
building the feelings of competence (Riggio, Valenzuela, & Weiser, 2010). This concept,
mainly focuses upon the areas, in which children are trained from the initial stage. When
children are provided adequate knowledge in terms of implementation of household
responsibilities, then they are able to alleviate the pressure upon their mothers to some extent.
Putting Playthings Away – When the children are done playing, then it is taught to
them to put their playthings in their respective places. In some cases, certain games and
playthings require assembling and arrangement of items in an appropriate manner. Hence,
parents need to tell their children to put the playthings and other items in their respective
places, after they are done.
Manners and Etiquettes – Implementing manners and etiquettes is important for the
individuals as well as children in the management of household responsibilities. The children
are taught that they need to possess a sharing nature, wait for ones turn in parks and other
places and give others a chance, be kind to those, younger to them, friendly with those,
belonging to one’s own age group and respectful and helpful towards the adults and elderly
individuals.
Maintaining Cleanliness – The children, during the stage of early childhood, have the
habit of scribbling on the walls and are messy. Hence, they are taught from the initial stage in
schools as well as home, regarding maintaining cleanliness and not being messy. During the
early childhood stage, children are not very skilled and trained in terms of eating habits. They
obtain assistance from their parents or caregivers. But, over the period of time, they develop
eating habits and acquire training, regarding maintaining cleanliness, within the household
and home environment.
Management of Finances – The children can render an effective contribution in the
management of finances, by saving their parents money. In some cases, young children are
demanding and ask for various items, such as, food items, playthings, clothes and so forth.
Hence, they should be taught to manage the finances and not spend their parent’s money on
things, which they do not require. The children should not be too demanding by nature.
Parents, themselves understand the needs of their children and make an effective contribution
on the basis of their financial abilities.
Completion of Home-work Assignments – Children should recognize their
responsibilities towards their studies. In some cases, when parents and even mothers are
involved in other jobs or activities, then usually, they are unable to pay adequate attention
towards the studies of their children. In such cases, they arrange for them private tuition
classes. Parents are normally concerned regarding the academic performance of their
children, particularly, if they experience set-backs. Therefore, to alleviate the stress and
pressure of their parents, it is vital for the children to complete their home-work assignments
on time and pay adequate attention towards their studies.
Participation of Children in Creative Activities – Research has indicated that
participation of children in creative activities is important in the case of management of
household responsibilities. These activities, mainly include, artworks and various types of
handicrafts, such as, embroideries, knitting, crochet, pottery making and so forth. When
children are involved in creative activities, then they produce number of items, which they
may use to decorate their house. Hence, in this manner, they make use of creative skills in the
management of the household.
Involvement of Children in various Activities – The involvement of children in various
tasks and activities contribute in management of household responsibilities. For instance,
when mothers have washed their clothes, then they need to fold them and keep them
adequately in their cupboards. When they are provided a separate room, then they need to
ensure that they keep it clean and tidy, wash the utensils on their own, after their meals and
ensure they get engaged in various tasks and activities in accordance to their skills and
abilities.
Listening and Obeying Parents – As the children grow, parents are the ones, who are
well aware of their needs, and requirements. In addition, they are also sure in terms of their
skills and abilities and what tasks and activities would be carried out by them in an
appropriate manner. For instance, when children are playing or watching television, then their
mothers may tell them to quit and study, then they should listen and obey their mothers. On
the other hand, when teenage children go out to play, then their mothers may ask them to
return home within a specific time. Therefore, when children listen and obey their parents,
they feel contented and are able to carry out management of household responsibilities better.
Communicating Effectively – Parents in the present existence, normally provide
independence to their children to get involved in tasks and activities in accordance to their
interest. The children usually are engaged in academic studies and put into practice other
activities in accordance to their interests and abilities. It is vital on the part of the children to
get involved into effective communication with their parents. In some cases, they may not
agree with them on various issues, but these should be resolved in a peaceful manner. To
create an amiable and pleasant home environmental conditions and form good terms and
relationships with each other, it is vital for children to communicate effectively with others,
within as well as outside the home.
Self-care – During the stage of early childhood, children are more likely dependent
upon their parents, especially mothers. But as they grow up and get enrolled into elementary
school, secondary school and senior secondary school, they begin to recognize the
significance of self-care. Self-care means, as the term implies, when individuals are required
to look after their needs and requirements on their own. When they develop cognitive skills
and logical thinking, then they are even likely to make decisions on their own and be no
longer dependent upon their family members. Hence, the concept of self-care results in the
alleviation of pressure and stress by the children on the part of the mothers. When children
are self-caring, their parents can satisfactorily focus upon other tasks and activities.
Conclusion
In India, in all societies, whether women are home-makers or self-employed or are
employed in organizations and irrespective of their categories and backgrounds, they need to
carry out the household management. Even when they are not educated, still they are trained
in the implementation of household responsibilities. In the management of household
responsibilities, they need to participate in decision making on different aspects, these are,
participation in decision making in domestic affairs, participation in decision making
regarding finances, participation in decision making regarding employment opportunities and
participation in various tasks and activities outside the home. In addition, it is vital to
understand the leadership roles of women. The main purpose of implementing leadership
roles, is, when they are involved in guiding and facilitating the performance and well-being
of their family members. These are, planning, organizing, directing, controlling, co-
ordinating, decision making, communication skills, knowledge and information, morality and
ethics and personality traits.
Types of household responsibilities are, cleaning, washing, preparation of meals,
paying bills, purchase of items, health care, taking care of siblings, taking care of the needs of
elderly individuals, child development and other tasks and activities. In some households, all
these responsibilities are implemented, whereas in some, responsibilities, such as, taking care
of siblings, taking care of the needs of elderly individuals and child development may not
apply. It is vital for women as well as the other family members to possess adequate
knowledge in terms of the household responsibilities. Another aspect that is focused upon is
the influence of multi-roles of women on household responsibilities carried out by children.
When children are able to render a significant contribution in the implementation of
household responsibilities, then they are able to alleviate the pressure on their mothers. From
the stage of early childhood, they are trained in terms of various household responsibilities,
these are, putting playthings away, manner and etiquettes, maintaining cleanliness,
management of finances, completion of home-work assignments, participation of children in
creative activities, involvement of children in various activities, listening and obeying
parents, communicating effectively and self-care.
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