What Are the Best Strategies for Working Parents to Manage Household Chores?

Do you ever feel like there's just not enough time in the day to get everything done at home?

I understand exactly how you feel. Between work, parenting, and household chores, life can quickly become overwhelming. As Dr. Ellen Reed and I have seen over and over, managing household chores effectively isn't about doing more—it's about doing less, but smarter.

Lowering Your Expectations Can Actually Help

One of the most powerful realizations I've had working with countless parents is this—it's okay if your home isn't spotless. Striving for perfection leads directly to burnout, something working parents already face enough of.

Trying to maintain a flawless home environment after a full day of work is unrealistic. I've often advised parents to embrace a bit of mess. Perfection isn't the goal; sanity and happiness are. There's even research from the Pew Research Center confirming that successful parents often lower their standards just enough to stay balanced. Here's the full study on how parents manage this.

Establish Routines That Actually Work

I often remind parents that routines aren't just beneficial—they're essential. Not rigid, inflexible routines, but practical, achievable ones that make everyday tasks feel less overwhelming. Having clear family routines significantly simplifies managing household chores. Little changes, like assigning specific days for laundry or vacuuming, create predictable patterns that reduce stress.

When chores feel manageable, they get done more consistently. More importantly, routines make chores a family affair, teaching kids responsibility and cooperation. It’s not about doing everything yourself; it's about everyone doing their part.

Delegate—You Don’t Have to Do It All

I recently had a conversation about chore-sharing, and one thought stood out clearly—asking for help is not a weakness. Many parents feel guilty delegating household tasks, but it's essential to a well-functioning home. Delegating tasks to your partner or even older children fosters teamwork and reduces everyone's stress levels. Check out some effective delegation strategies that truly work.

Delegation can even take formal shapes, like "baby-nup contracts." Sounds unusual, right? But these contracts explicitly outline who handles which chores, making responsibilities clear from the start. Read more about how baby-nup contracts work here.

Meal Planning Is Your New Best Friend

I genuinely believe meal planning is a lifesaver. Planning meals for the week sounds tedious at first, but it quickly becomes indispensable once you start. Cooking in batches and pre-preparing meals on weekends means fewer rushed dinners during the busy workweek. I recommend simple meal planning strategies to every busy parent I work with because they save significant time and reduce daily stress.

If cooking feels overwhelming, meal planning can streamline your week. Less stress in the kitchen means more enjoyable meals and more relaxed family dinners.

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Outsource When Possible

Some parents I’ve advised initially feel guilty about outsourcing chores like cleaning or yard work. But here’s the truth—there's no shame in hiring help if it means regaining your mental well-being. Hiring a cleaning service once or twice a month can be more affordable than you think, and the mental clarity and free time gained are worth it.

Make Time for Yourself—Seriously

Finally, one of the most critical strategies is making time for yourself. I can't emphasize this enough: you need regular breaks from the constant juggling act. Even if it's just fifteen minutes a day to read, meditate, or simply breathe—prioritize this time. It helps you recharge and better handle your responsibilities.

Remember, household chores are important, but your mental health is paramount. Don't sacrifice your well-being chasing after perfection.

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References

• Pew Research Center. "Raising Kids and Running a Household: How Working Parents Share the Load." Pew Research Center, 4 Nov. 2015, www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2015/11/04/raising-kids-and-running-a-household-how-working-parents-share-the-load/.
• Harris, Elizabeth. "Baby-Nup Contracts Help New Parents Split Up Chores and Childcare Responsibilities." Parents, www.parents.com/news/baby-nup-contracts-help-new-parents-split-up-chores-and-childcare-responsibilities/. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.