Let’s take a look today at a man’s need for peace and quite, domestic support. Quite frankly, I think this is a woman’s need as well. However, we are able to deal with the chaos of child rearing better than men in general. Okay, I’m a little ornery today, sorry guys.

This chapter is fascinating. Men are a closed mouth group. They rarely speak about their real feelings that resided deep inside. They are giving their utmost to provide, to be brave, to give the family a quality of life. Many are overwhelmed but never share their stress. They face the work world and slay the dragon, or try to with all of their might. They look forward to relaxing at home to recover and recharge.

When he arrives home, he expects his wife to cook the meals, do the laundry, and care for the kids. Appears to be unfair? So how do we solve the splitting of duties at home?

Dr. Harley encourages spouses to write down their activities and the time needed to complete them. Work through them together to negotiate a workable division of the labor. The time spent in chores, including working, child care, household responsibilities and home maintenance does not need to be the same. It should be fair. Fair is what the two of you decide together is fair.

Example: John was skeptical about his wife’s 10 hours to bath the children. She suggested he bathe the children and multiply the time it took by seven for each day of the week. Once he did this he realized his wife’s estimate was a bargain.

Again, this chapter offers in-depth information on how to create a division of labor and how to lovingly negotiate changes. Read it!

Be blessed, Lynn