A furious debate is now raging on Facebook thanks to a stay-at-home mother who decided to share a housework routine that’s so extensive that she sometimes can’t get to bed until midnight.
Brooke Smith, who is mom to four kids under six, was even accused by some moms on the Mums Who Cook, Clean and Organize Facebook group of “living a 50’s lifestyle.” On the other hand, there were those who saw her work as an “inspiration.”
Brooke, from Brisbane, wrote: “I always make sure I don’t go to be until everyone’s lunches are packed, their clothes are set out for the next day including my husband’s and the house is clean, the dishwasher is on and a load of washing is on.
“Sometimes it means I get to bed at 9, sometimes that means I get to bed at midnight, but I always get up early (4.30 with my husband to make his breakfast and coffee) to make time for me to have a hot coffee and do my hair and get a little peace and quiet and meditation and exercise in, and do my face for the day.”
Brooke continued: “A happy mom equals a happy household. Do it even when you feel like not doing it because you’ll be happy for it the next day.”
Brooke’s husband works in construction and is at work five to six days a week.
It took only a few moments for Brooke’s post to ignite the debate.
There were those who thought Brooke’s routine was “impressive” and praised her dedication to her family while others commented that it “doesn’t sit right” with them.
“My mom used to do this for my Dad. Dad was born in 1929 and Mom was born in 1931. It’s currently 2020. My husband does his own washing, My kids make their own breakfast,” one woman said.
Another added: “Nope nope… sorry but no. I LOVE that you are willing and able to do this.
“But, yes my partner works, but he can help me contribute to a nice clean household, cause f**k me by the time he gets home I am lucky I haven’t pulled out all my hair from yelling at the kids all day to try to stop them from accidentally killing each other.
“I’m lucky to get a shower in and last an hour past the kids’ bedtime. Then we are ALL up at 4 am.”
Then there were those who chose to give some advice, writing: “I think it’s great you do it all, but you do need to share the workload, especially as you get older, teach the kids so that they know how to when they leave home.
“It does give great satisfaction – tidy house, tidy mind.”
A few explained that their marriage was an “equal partnership” where both parents had their fair share of the responsibilities.
Brooke decided to respond to some of those comments, replying that she does “what works for us” since her husband is away at work for most of the week.
“My children are nine months old, two years old, three years old and six years old so I get the older to help where they can but I don’t have unrealistic expectations of them,” she wrote.
She added that her husband “doesn’t do anything around the house” since he “works very hard six days a week in the sun and trains and runs classes at least five nights a week at our gym.”
“It’s the least I could do,” Brooke said.
“Our relationship is amazing and I think our household dynamic has a big part in that.”
Replaced!