Father’s Day is around the corner and it’s time we celebrate our amazing dads. But really, some of them deserve much more than a single day a year to be spoiled and appreciated. So, this article is a little different. We asked a number of our clients about any memories of their dads or husbands cleaning the house. Here’s what they shared.
Jenny 22, Guildford
“My dad was really hands-on with any household duties. Mom never had to fight with him or nag about what needs to be done around the house. He did the laundry when she couldn’t, vacuumed the living room and even cleaned the toilet every other weekend. However, he was a really bad cook [laughs]. Anyway, we are lucky to have him. I think my dad, being such a great example of a man, has raised the bar quite high for any potential boyfriends.”
Dana, 27, Camberley
“I think I won the husband lottery by marrying Anthony. He’s so helpful and also a fantastic dad. We share the chores and he finds so many creative ways to get the children involved in cleaning. He makes it fun for them. Last weekend, they had a treasure quest. He hid some rewards and clues in the really messy places and told them they will find the next clue if they tidy up the area well. Even I got excited. Cleaning didn’t feel like a boring task, but a fun family time.”
Martin, 43, Farnborough
“My dad and cleaning?! No, that definitely never happened. The times were different then and men felt like they didn’t have to help out at home because they were the main providers. My mom was a lovely homemaker, though, and a perfect housewife. She never really complained about cleaning, but she always made it clear to me that I shouldn’t expect my wife to do everything for me. I think it was great she did that because it would have been easy for me to copy my dad’s behaviour. My wife is a career woman, so I don’t think she would have been as understanding as my mom was. Now that I am a father, I teach both my son and my daughter to share the housework.”
Nadya, 29, Woking
“What I love most about my dad is his food. He’s not a professional chef, but he enjoys cooking. It’s like his hobby and I think, because he puts so much love and passion in the meals, they always come out super delicious. When it comes to cleaning, though…no, he wouldn’t lift a finger. Growing up, we were 4 sisters and my brother, plus my mom. Perhaps he thought there were enough hands to do the job without him getting involved, ha-ha.”
Ruth, 44, Aldershot
“Well, my brother and I grew up with our father alone. Mom passed away when I was two and dad never remarried. We didn’t have many relatives around, so he had no choice but to cover all household duties. I think ironing was his favourite. He was always humming different tunes while doing it and said it relaxes him. Cleaning tasks he preferred to outsource to me when I got into my teenage years, but before that he put a lot of effort into doing the job right, so that me and my brother learn essential domestic skills. With him it never felt like a mundane duty, he always made us feel like we are doing something really important and rewarded us for it. He’s certainly a star for me and I could never ask for a better father.”
What about your dad? Did he use to help at home when you were growing up? And your husband? Share any fun memories you may have of home cleaning activities with the Dad of the house.
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