As homemakers, we play such an important role within our family, and society in general. We maintain the comfort of our household, we ensure that the home is a safe place, and we provide emotional support by nurturing our family's relationships. The work we do in the home helps to create a safe and welcoming environment for all, and by doing this, we give our families the very best opportunities to go out into the world and reach their goals. At the end of each day they can come home and gain respite; they can relax and rejuvenate so they're ready to get back out there and face whatever life throws at them.

But unfortunately, the importance of our role is often overlooked. Homemaking is typically an unpaid role, leading to a lack of recognition and appreciation for the work involved. Many people misunderstand the work involved, and simply don't fully appreciate the time, effort, and skills needed. But we are the stability behind our family, when our partner and children can come home and return to a reliable, comforting and well organised space, they're able to get on with their other tasks and excel in them. Everyone's situation is different, there's no 'right' or 'wrong' when it comes to your family's setup. For some families, having two working parents is essential, whether it be from a financial or a personal choice perspective. For others, having one stay at home parent is a must. Unfortunately, whatever you decide, chances are society will tell you you're doing it wrong but it's important to stay true to your own vision.

If you have chosen to be a homemaker and stay at home parent, know that the work that you do is extremely valuable. Children that have a stay at home parent and homemaker in the household have been shown to often have secure attachments which are linked to better outcomes. Families with homemakers tend to eat together more often, since having a homemaker often allows for more flexibility in meal times and can create an environment where family members gather and bond over meals. This can contribute to a stronger family dynamic and improve overall well-being. There's also some evidence to suggest that children with homemakers may perform better in school. It's of course important to note that this isn't a definitive correlation, and many other factors such as family income, education levels, and parental involvement also play a role in a child's academic performance. However, the homemaker's role in a child's education goes beyond just helping with homework and supervising studies, as you are also able to provide a supportive and stable home environment, which can have a positive impact on your child's overall well-being and success in school. Some studies suggest that husbands/ partners may have higher levels of satisfaction in their marriages and household responsibilities when they're married to a homemaker too, although individual preferences and dynamics within the relationship probably play a larger role. 

If you're a homemaker, know that there's much more value to your role than you might have given yourself credit for. Ultimately, it's a selfless decision to put the needs of your family first, and create an environment where all members of the household can thrive. As a society, we tend to associate 'success' with 'money' but homemaking goes to show that real success and happiness is so much more than that.