Why are men afraid of dishes?

Kimberly - posted on 01/06/2010

def. go on strike. he is a big boy and it is and was his mommy's job to spoil him not yours.

remember you are not his mom and you should not be treated so in any way other than the respect he should have for a woman.

it wont be long before your children see how dad is treated and they too will strat with them ' mom maid/slave' way of thinking. you need to be putting your foot down and standing up for yourself...

you are a person, a productive member of the family and therefore embrace your own rights. and being the woman of the house put the fear of GOD in the rest of them.

everyone knows if mama isn't happy no one will be happy LOL

Amy - posted on 01/06/2010

My husband is a stay at home dad to a VERY active toddler that doesn't really nap much if any. I work the 40 hours a week 5 days a week, I do laundry, and half the time find myself also doing dishes and other housework.

I don't blame him for not getting more done, because if I spend a day with our son I have a very hard time getting anything done as well.

What we've done is sit down and talk about who's going to do what, etc. If it gets real bad he'll do it, but you also don't want it to get too bad that the kids get sick from it etc. We've tried to find ways so it takes less work to clean up. For example, one of us will clean up our son and the other will put the dishes away.

Since you are gone for supper that would make it hard, you could always take a few seconds to send him a text to remind him to do the dishes. ;) Or have his mom call to remind him.

Angie - posted on 01/06/2010

I have the most responsible husband ever. I rarely have to do dishes. I cook - he cleans the kitchen (or makes sure the kids do). We share all household chores equally. I don't even do his laundry! I guess I have it made!

Krista - posted on 01/06/2010

I'm with Sharon on the list idea. Guys are VERY literal. If we say "clean up the kitchen", we mean "clear the table, put the dishes in the dishwasher, wash and dry the pots and put them away, wipe off the counters and the stovetop, and sweep the floor". To most guys, it means "clear off the table and put the dishes in the dishwasher." If you're lucky, you might get the pots washed. And forget about the counters and the floor. I know, it's silly, and I'm not saying that men are dumb, but they ARE very literal. So you want to leave a checklist, titled "Kitchen Cleanup", and have all of those items listed. If you put it on a whiteboard, he can actually check the stuff off as he goes. And that way, he can see in black-and-white when he's letting stuff go, instead of you having to point it out to him.

Tanya - posted on 01/06/2010

What is he doing after dinner that he doesn't clean up the dishes? I know when my husband has the kids to himself he doesn't clean up much either. I have talked with him about it and he is usually trying to keep the kids happy and entertained. I have let him know how I feel about it and he just can't always get it done because he lacks the multitasking skills of taking care of children and the home. He seems to only be able to do one or the other. Nobody likes to clean up the mess but if he is trying to get it done cut him some slack. Plus if he is spending quality time with the children instead of cleaning up I say again cut him some slack. If minding the children and cleaning is too much for him invest in paper plates and plastic silverware. That way when dinner is all done he can just toss the plates and silverware and wipe up quick. All the dinner dishes won't be done but at least it will be less for you.

Sharon - posted on 01/06/2010

leave him a list.



If he doesn't follow the list, then stop leaving dinner for him. "I can't fix dinner in a messy kitchen, sorry."

Janelle - posted on 01/06/2010

Make wonderful meals that he loves, the catch "you eat - you do dishes, I cooked!" That worked with my husband, he still hates dishes but does them everynight. (I also work nights) or simply stop cooking for him quit doing dishes and let him completly fend for himself....he's a big boy!

Chelsea - posted on 01/06/2010

serve only yourself, i guess... when he learns his lesson cook, the day he does it again, serve only yourself again. during this time i wouldn't say not one word to him...then he'll get pissed, and eventually cave in. he's not the only one that works hard.

Tanya - posted on 01/06/2010

totally go on strike! stop cooking cleaning and doing everything! once they pile up for a good few days hell get the hint! I dont think thats too high. i cook dinner every night and clean and do all the laundry, but my husband is always asking if i need him to help or do the dishes. and if im too tired he will do the dishes. i usually never make him do them but im starting a night course in a few weeks and he is gonna have to do them himself...i expect a clean kitchen when i come home for sure!!

Michelle - posted on 01/06/2010

Go on strike!