A couple helping each other in the kitchen. [Photo/hdfootagestock.com] Balancing family and career is quite a heavy load. The desire for lavish lifestyles has people constantly on the move. So, how can a couple help each other juggle the massive number of responsibilities?
First of all, you have to look at the responsibilities that exist as it relates to your household. There is much to do like parenting, house chores and financial responsibilities. Financial responsibilities are probably the most important since they affect everything else in the house. Individual and collective income determine where you live, how you furnish your house, what you wear, what you drive and what you eat. After developing a total expenditure for your home, you can then decide who pays for what and how you budget for the family. Parenting is a difficult thing and no one can claim excellence at it. All you can do is your best. Your best has to ensure that your kids are well nurtured and disciplined. Showing up at school meetings, hospital appointments, baths, play dates and spending time with children is a lot of work. Hanging out with the nanny isn't enough, parents need to create time to talk to, listen to, discipline and be there for their children. With house chores, you have to understand the demands of each other's job. If you're married to an army guy, you have to appreciate the reality that they might not be around for many house chores especially if they're deployed far from home. If you're spouse has an office job where they work from 8:00-5:00, they can be available early morning and evening to help out. There is also the issue of hiring help. However, the househelp(s) can't do everything. You still have to be in charge of your home. One might be more comfortable doing dishes and cooking and the other cleaning and running household errands. It all comes down to who's busy and what works best for you.