Outsourcing vs. Guilt: Overcoming the Stigma of Getting Help As A Parent
All parents stress about a lack of time to get everything done. You’re managing not only your own life but those of children who depend on you. While pride often keeps parents from seeking help, leaning on others can be a practical and effective strategy for managing the web of tasks associated with raising children.
It can get even worse for working moms, as they often have to engage in a feminist theory called the triple shift first articulated in 1995 by Jean Duncombe and Dennis Marsden. It shows how the division of responsibilities in a two-parent household has become outdated since we have moved beyond one stay-at-home parent and one working parent. The triple shift includes housework, paid work and emotional labour (soothing the emotions of children and partner).
If you’re in a partnership as a parent, there are ways to make sure responsibilities are divided as evenly as possible, and if you’re a single parent there are lots of tasks you can outsource to get that help you and your kids need.
Tasks you can outsource as a parent:
Cleaning
Professional cleaning services can help maintain a clean and organized living space, freeing up time for parents to focus on other priorities.
Childcare
Outsourcing childcare, whether through a trusted caregiver or a daycare facility, provides parents with the flexibility to balance work and family responsibilities more effectively.
Tutoring
Academic support services can be enlisted to assist with the educational needs of children, ensuring they receive the guidance necessary for their development.
Cooking
Busy parents can opt for outsourcing meal preparation by hiring a personal chef. This not only saves time but also promotes healthier eating habits for the entire family.
Even though society is still catching up with the ways things are changing for parents, that doesn’t mean you have to live with outmoded responsibilities you just don’t have time for anymore. If you’re looking to do some smart outsourcing and throw out a lifeline to some trusted sources.