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As we near the end of Women's History Month, let's take a moment to honor and celebrate the remarkable achievements of women while acknowledging the diverse array of roles we fulfill, both visible and unseen, in shaping our families, communities, and societies.
Completing Eve Rodsky's "Sh*t I Do" worksheet represents a meaningful step towards recognizing and valuing the invaluable contributions of women in every aspect of life.
And I acknowledge the irony in requesting yet another task from you today, tomorrow, or the next day. However, it's imperative that we unveil the invisible workload by shedding light on the mental, physical, and emotional labor we undertake each day. Through this process, the invisible becomes visible, and thus, valuable.
The invisible workload encompasses a myriad of responsibilities, including meal planning, household chores, financial management, family scheduling, and emotional labor—tasks often disproportionately shouldered by one partner, typically women. Despite its fundamental importance, this labor frequently remains unnoticed, leading to feelings of resentment, stress, and inequality within relationships, both at home and in the workplace.
By meticulously listing our daily, weekly, and monthly tasks, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the sheer volume and complexity of our responsibilities. This exercise not only validates the labor we undertake but also fosters open communication and negotiation within partnerships, again both at work and home.
Completing the "Sh*t I Do" worksheet is more than just a matter of listing tasks; it's a transformative journey towards recognizing, redistributing, and valuing invisible labor. By bringing to light the hidden workload within our households, we can pave the way towards greater equality, understanding, and appreciation. Let's seize this opportunity to foster a more just and harmonious world—one where all forms of labor are acknowledged, shared, and celebrated.
Please send your completed lists to me at dana@makeworkworkformoms.org, or simply drop them into LinkedIn after this message, and I'll retrieve them from there. Below is a sample list of tasks to get you started. Happy tracking!
With gratitude and love,
Dana
Sample List of Daily, Weekly, Monthly Tasks, and More:
Wake up early to prepare breakfast and pack lunches.
Organize and oversee morning routines for family members.
Respond to urgent emails and messages.
Manage household finances and pay bills.
Prepare dinner and clean up afterward.
Ensure children complete homework and prepare for the next day.
Plan meals and create grocery lists.
Do laundry, including sorting, washing, folding, and ironing.
Clean the house, including vacuuming, mopping, and dusting.
Schedule appointments for family members.
Coordinate extracurricular activities and transportation.
Maintain the garden and outdoor spaces.
Review and update household budget.
Deep clean specific areas of the house (e.g., bathrooms, kitchen appliances).
Organize and declutter closets and storage spaces.
Schedule and attend family gatherings or events.
Plan and execute home improvement projects.
Manage subscriptions and memberships.
Remember important dates (birthdays, anniversaries, appointments).
Provide emotional support to family members during challenging times.
Mediate conflicts and facilitate communication between family members.
Plan and organize family vacations or outings.
Keep track of household inventory and replenish supplies as needed.
Stay informed about family members' interests, preferences, and concerns.