How We Make Shared Household Tasks Work (Without the 50/50 Stress)
EPISODE 75
by Dianne Jimenez
This article takes 3.5 minutes to read
Don’t have time to read this? Listen to the podcast episode instead:
Subscribe to the
THE ORGANIZED-ISH: PARENT PODCAST
and never miss a bonus episode!
How We Make Shared Household Tasks Work (Without the 50/50 Stress)
Ever wonder how couples actually share household tasks without constant arguments or unrealistic 50/50 expectations? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how my husband and I have managed chores through every season—from life before kids to now with a house full of big kids—and what really works.
You’ll learn:
✅ How our roles evolved through different life stages
✅ Why a 50/50 split is unrealistic (and what to do instead)
✅ How to teach kids to help without nagging
✅ Ways to keep your household running without losing your sanity
The episode at a glance
[00:00] Intro
[02:15] Why 50/50 doesn’t work
[06:40] Our pre-kid setup
[12:30] How things changed with kids
[18:20] Pandemic perspective
[24:45 Getting kids involved
[30:00] Big takeaway
Are Toys Taking Over Your Home? Reclaim Your Space - NOW
Why Shared Household Tasks Matter
Let’s be real: the idea of splitting chores 50/50 sounds great… until life happens. Kids, work, business, school schedules—suddenly, that “equal share” feels impossible and stressful.
In our house, we’ve learned that shared household tasks aren’t about rigid fairness—they’re about flexibility and teamwork. Some seasons look like 80/20, others 60/40. And that’s okay.
In this post, I’m pulling back the curtain on how we actually make it work—what’s changed over the years, what’s stayed the same, and how involving our kids has been a game-changer. If you’ve ever wondered how to stop doing it all (without nagging or micromanaging), this one’s for you.
find out how families with 3+ kids tackle the beast: laundry!
How We Naturally Shared Household Tasks Pre-Kids
Before kids, life was simpler. Onnig and I didn’t make chore charts or have deep conversations about fairness. We just… worked together.
I took on most of the indoor tasks because, truthfully, I can’t stand crumbs or clutter (thanks, Mom—the OR nurse who trained me to sanitize like a surgeon). Onnig handled outdoor work like mowing and snow removal.
When it came to groceries and cooking, we both jumped in. Sometimes I’d shop; sometimes he’d go. No scorekeeping, no drama—just “What needs to get done? Okay, who’s free?”
Why Shared Household Tasks Became Essential After Kids
Then baby #1 came along—and everything changed. After a C-section, I couldn’t do much at all, and honestly, it was scary for someone like me who was used to managing everything.
My Secret Sauce for setting the kids up for success
Thankfully, my husband already knew his way around a kitchen and a laundry basket. He stepped up completely—meals, cleaning, errands—while I healed and learned how to be a mom. That season taught me the ultimate truth: shared household tasks aren’t optional; they’re survival.
How Shared Household Tasks Evolved as Our Family (and Business) Grew
When I decided to stay home (because daycare germs and inflexible office life were a nightmare), it made sense for me to do more around the house. But even then, it wasn’t about rigid roles.
I had big dreams to build a business—first in massage therapy, later in organizing and coaching—so we adjusted. When I was deep into courses or launching something new, he picked up extra tasks. When he was volunteering at school and daycare committees, I balanced things out on my end.
That’s the thing about shared household tasks: they’re never static. They shift with the seasons.
3 things to establish now before losing your s#!t later on (during the school year)
What COVID Taught Us About Shared Household Tasks
The pandemic was a game changer. Suddenly, grocery shopping became a safety mission, so Onnig took it on 100%. I handled meal prep and sanitizing everything that came through the door.
That small change cut the chaos in half. It streamlined things and reminded us that shared household tasks don’t have to be “equal”—they just have to make sense for the season you’re in.
Free training: "How to find time in a busy schedule"
Why Involving Kids in Shared Household Tasks Builds Independence
Now that our kids are older, it’s their turn to help—and honestly, this is where the magic happens. Laundry? They handle it. Dishes? Done. Meal prep? We’re getting there.
As a professional organizer, I believe teaching kids these skills is non-negotiable. It’s about independence, responsibility, and teamwork. And the bonus? I get more time to focus on my business and still have energy left for family time.
Why Shared Household Tasks Should Be Flexible, Not Equal
Here’s the truth: life isn’t 50/50. Some weeks, it’s 70/30. Other times, 80/20. And that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s partnership.
Talk about what matters. Support each other’s goals. And please, let go of the guilt when the house looks “lived in.” You’re raising humans and building a business, not competing for a spotless home award.
Stay on track with laundry & tips to getting the kids involved
Embrace Shared Household Tasks and Build a Supportive Home
If you’ve been trying to do it all alone, start small. A conversation. One simple chore hand-off. Then build from there.
Want help? I’ve got a list of 20+ tasks we’ve taught our kids (from toddler age to teens). DM me on Instagram, message me on Facebook, or email me at info@diannejimenez.com, and I’ll send it your way.
Here’s to a home that works with your business—not against it.
Request Transcript / Listen on Apple Podcast / Listen on Spotify / Watch on YouTube
Referenced in this episode
Can you think of someone who would also benefit from reading this?
Send it to them:
