Balancing Act: The Power of Sharing Responsibilities in a Busy Life

Continuing our series of blogs on balancing life and marriage in this busy world, today we will look at sharing responsibilities. Sharing responsibilities is a vital aspect of maintaining a healthy and balanced marriage, particularly in the face of a busy life. When both spouses are juggling numerous commitments, sharing responsibilities can help alleviate stress, foster teamwork, and promote a sense of fairness within the relationship.Here are a few areas of responsibilities and how to move forward in sharing:

1. Household Chores: Dividing household chores equitably is crucial. Create a list of tasks and discuss how to distribute them based on each others availability and strengths. It's essential to communicate openly and be willing to adjust the division of responsibilities as needed. This approach ensures that both of you contribute to the upkeep of the home, reducing resentment and allowing for more quality time together.

   Jay and I divide household chores based on what we enjoy doing! I love to do dishes, so I do all the dishes in the house. Jay cleans the bathrooms. He doesn't necessarily love it but he knows he will do it to the standard he wants them cleaned. We also use our Alexa device to make a list of all chores that need to be done so we can look it over and delegate who does what. Using Alexa is handy because so often we think of something that needs to be cleaned or organized in the moment and may forget it when it comes to house cleaning day!

2. Finances: Managing finances as a team can ease the burden and create transparency. Establish joint financial goals and regularly review your budget together. Share the responsibility of tracking expenses, paying bills, and making financial decisions. Open and honest communication about money matters strengthens trust and empowers both of you to take an active role in achieving financial stability.

3. Childcare and Parenting: If you have children, sharing childcare responsibilities is crucial. Discuss and establish a schedule that considers each others availability and commitments. This may involve coordinating school drop-offs and pick-ups, attending extracurricular activities, and taking turns with household responsibilities related to parenting. Sharing the load in raising children fosters a sense of partnership and ensures both husband and wife have time for self-care and personal pursuits.

   We make it a habit to sit down on Monday morning ( or Sunday evening) and look at our weekly schedule and decide what needs to be tended to this week work wise, what meetings do we have, when are we going to exercise, etc. When our kids were in the house we also included kid sporting events, pickups, and family dinners. This made the week go smoothly and our expectations we clear.

4. Emotional Support: In addition to practical responsibilities, emotional support is equally important. Both of you should actively listen, provide encouragement, and be there for each other during challenging times. Sharing the emotional burdens of a busy life can alleviate stress and strengthen the bond of your marriage. Regular check-ins, authentic conversations, and showing empathy can go a long way in supporting each other through life's ups and downs.

By sharing responsibilities, you can navigate your busy lives more effectively and create a supportive and balanced environment within your marriage. It is essential to maintain open communication, regularly reassess and adjust responsibilities as needed, and appreciate each other's contributions. Sharing the load not only lightens the burden but also cultivates a stronger marriage, enabling both you to thrive both individually and as a couple.