Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Domestic Incentives

Library of Congress: A farm worker's home, Idaho, 1941.

 

We all have our off-days when we don't want to do anything. Why is it that we need motivation to do our housework? I remember telling myself, one early morning when I didn't want to get out of bed, "If Mr. White gave you $500 and said, 'go shopping today and buy anything you want.'" I would promptly get up, with lots of energy. So it has to be a "mood" when we don't feel like being productive at home.

I remember reading one of  Erma Bombeck's books and she was talking about this (in the 1960's). She said one housewife treated herself to a cocktail at 9 in the morning just for making the coffee.*

Why do we need incentives? Perhaps because we are surrounded by a culture where few seem to care about homemaking. It is something we have to fight against each day. So if you need to have a cookie as a reward for doing the laundry - go right ahead!

Blessings
Mrs. White

* Edited note: While the way Erma described this was funny, I would never encourage anyone to drink.  Please see my "Temperance Post."

 

From the Archives - 

 
The importance of - The Skilled Housewife.

Do you ever feel like The Kitchen Martyr.

Encouragement and Advice - A New England Winter on a Small Income.


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For old time encouragement in living simply on a limited income, order Mrs. White's book:

"An Old Fashioned Budget: Humble Financial Management for the Christian Housewife"

77 pages, paperback.




8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Excellent! Yes, I do feel alone at times, but it is SO apart of who I am that I continue on...with incentives and rewards, of course!

busymomof10 said...

since so many of us are battling those extra pounds, maybe using cookies as an incentive is not the very best idea~! ;)

I like to use computer time as my incentive! If I work hard for 45 minutes, I earn 15 minutes of time online to check my email or my favorite blogs (like yours!)! This motivates me quite well and is calorie free! ;)

Love Abounds At Home said...

Excellent reminder that I don't need an incentive to do what God has called me to do.

Laura in AZ said...

I try to steer clear of the cookies and cocktails, especially before 9 a.m., but you are so right about incentives, Mrs. White!
I make myself do three or four "un-fun" chores, and then reward myself with a few minutes of reading or sewing for pleasure. Sometimes it works, but other days my "reward time" goes on a little too long and it just enables me to procrastinate. This is how I ended up cleaning the bath tub at 11 o'clock the other night. Maybe I should just give those cocktails a try!

Amy @ Our Own Village said...

I do not like grocery shopping at all :-( I treat myself to a pint of chocolate milk every time I go grocery shopping :-) Also sometimes when I just drop in for other items than groceries, too. I LOVE chocolate milk <3

Marcia Wilwerding said...

But, Mrs. White! I'm already too fat! :) The way I hate housework, I'd weigh a ton in no time rewarding myself with cookies. ;)

But, seriously, I get your point. Sometimes it helps to do my least favorite job of the day first just to get it out of the way. And, then I alternate sitting work with moving work to keep me from getting stuck sitting...in front of the computer...on Pinterest or Facebook or something else fruitless.

Far Above Rubies said...

Excellent! ;-)

Suzette said...

You fooled me on this one! I had to laugh aloud. Thank you for acknowledging that. I do feel that sort of wave of keeping a job that has almost an ancient characteristic.

I love how you receive from your husband. This is so feminine and I have had to train myself to receive graciously from my husband. It truly does lift them up to provide a something or other for their wives.

It truly is lovely to have your blog. May God bless your marriage 100 fold.