After being on bed rest for 3 weeks and not being allowed to clean the house, it has become more evident than ever before that my French husband really does not know how to do a deep cleaning. In fact, he said he did not know how to dust.
He admitted that he never had a chore day growing up and was only asked occasionally to help with cleaning. So what did he do now? He asked his mamma to come over to help and then called our private insurance to send over a house cleaning service until I am able to clean again!
While I admire and love his ability to outsource tasks (house cleaning service is coming for the first time today!), it makes me think about how most French men really do not know how to clean. This could be one of the reasons why women in France do the chores 80% of the time – if it cannot be done right, you gotta do it yourself!
So to all of you French mamma’s out there with sons – lets break the cycle and teach your sons how to cook, clean and do laundry. It is too late for us, but my poor unborn daughter could use a French man who knows what to do.
When I was young, my mother made sure all of us knew how to clean. We had a scheduled chore day each week and were responsible for zones. If I did not clean the grout around the kitchen sink, she would tell me to get some cleaner and an old toothbrush. If I dusted the piano with a cloth, I would have to go back and add wood polish. My brothers were never sheltered from house cleaning tasks because they were boys. They learned how to do their laundry, cook and clean – even if they would periodically pay me or my younger sister a dime to do tasks for them (I was way too young to know I was being underpaid!). They knew how to take care of themselves before heading off to college or live on their own.
In the USA, it is common for teenagers to move out of the house around 17 or 18 years of age, or right after high school. However, in France, it is normal to remain living at home until around 23 or 24 years of age. They tend to go to school at a local university and live at home to save money. If the boys get into a relationship during this time, it is not uncommon for him to move straight from mamma’s house to living with his girlfriend; thus, never experiencing a life where he must take care of himself. I am not sure who to feel sorrier for, my poor brothers for having to fend for themselves or the French girls now playing the role of mamma.
My husband may not be good at separating his colors from lights to do laundry and loading the dishwasher so cups will not break. He also may not notice when the cabinets need cleaning or that things are growing inside the fridge, but he at least makes a solid effort when needed. I love it when he surprises me with a clean house or offers to take on additional chores when I am not feeling well. And if he is truly overwhelmed, I can count on him to outsource!
Image Credit: IceTeaImages at fotolia.com
Leave a Reply