The other day, the power went out just as I needed to pick up my children from school. To get out of the garage, I had to manually disengage the garage door from the automatic opener. Later, when we returned home and the electricity was restored, I had to climb onto the back of my vehicle to reattach the door opener. As I balanced there, one foot on the car and the other on the garage door, my daughter asked why I didn’t just wait for her dad to come home and do it. I explained that I was more than capable of handling it myself. But my reasons for wanting to do things on my own extend beyond just that moment.
I Value Learning New Skills
I thrive on hands-on experience. Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet or assembling furniture from IKEA, I enjoy the learning process, even if it takes me a while to figure it out. Accomplishing these tasks empowers me and demonstrates my capabilities, much like the time I successfully installed new shelves in front of my kids. In those moments, I felt like a superhero, and they did too.
I’m Naturally Impatient
When I buy something requiring assembly or want to repaint a room, I can’t wait for my husband’s help. I don’t mind if it takes a few hours and some frustration; I prefer to get things done immediately. Procrastination gives me anxiety, and I find it hard to concentrate with unfinished tasks around. Rather than imposing my urgency on my laid-back partner, it’s simply easier for me to tackle it on my own.
Setting a Positive Example for My Kids
It’s essential for my children to see me handle as many tasks as their father does. I don’t want them to think there are specific jobs meant for men or women. If something needs to be done and I’m capable of doing it, I’ll do it. I want them to understand that taking initiative is important, whether it’s fixing a broken shelf or doing laundry—just like I expect my husband to do when he sees something that needs attention.
Understanding My Husband’s Limitations
When my husband returns home after a long day, he isn’t exactly eager to tackle household chores. I don’t blame him for wanting to relax after a tiring workday. I enjoy redecorating, which he doesn’t particularly appreciate. The fewer questions I have to ask him, the more I can get done before he notices the chaos. For instance, I once struggled to paint stripes in our bathroom, but I eventually succeeded, and he didn’t even notice for months—a win in my book!
Different Perspectives on Procrastination
My husband tends to take his time with tasks that I consider urgent, such as changing light bulbs or patching walls. He often believes there’s always time to do things later, while I feel the pressure of a ticking clock. This difference can lead to tension, and I find it’s easier for me to simply take care of things myself.
Planning for the Unexpected
I didn’t share this with my daughter, but one of my primary motivations for being self-sufficient is the awareness that life can be unpredictable. I’ve seen loved ones who were unprepared when faced with sudden loss. I never want to feel helpless in a crisis, so I strive to empower myself with the knowledge to handle household issues and emergencies.
Keeping My Mind Active
Since becoming a stay-at-home mom, I’ve felt my mental sharpness waning. While I cherish my choice, I often find myself wanting to retreat into a state of inaction. Engaging in home projects, like researching how to stain a deck or upgrading cabinet hardware, keeps my mind active and sharp.
This doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate teamwork or ask for help when needed; I just want to contribute my share and continue learning. I enjoy the satisfying weight of a drill in my hands and the chance to demonstrate to my kids that they can tackle challenges independently. I embrace the possibility of mistakes along the way, showing them that perseverance leads to success.
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In summary, taking the initiative to manage tasks around the home not only empowers me but also sets a strong example for my children. I believe in learning, self-reliance, and the importance of being prepared for the unexpected.