In today’s world, there are still many expectations about what tasks are considered masculine or feminine. Women are expected to handle cooking, laundry, and cleaning, while men are supposed to be handy with tools and participate in sports. It can be quite amusing and strange for people when boys or men take on tasks that are traditionally associated with women.
Nicole Boulogne, a single mother from Michigan, faced backlash after she posted pictures online of her 7-year-old son cleaning the house and doing the dishes. People questioned her parenting skills, suggesting that boys shouldn’t be involved in household chores or other tasks typically associated with women.
However, Nicole firmly believes in teaching her children to be self-reliant so that they can benefit in the long run. Despite being the one who takes care of everything at home, she wants her children to learn important life skills. Her eldest child already helps with gardening, making simple meals, and assisting around the house. Nicole plans to teach her younger child the same when she is older.
When asked why she raised her child this way, Nicole had the perfect response: “I teach my kid how to cook and take care of the house. Why? Because he could one day be a single man living alone, capable of doing laundry and not relying on takeout every night. Because he might want to impress a significant other someday with a meal they made together. Because eventually, he will need to help out around the house when he has kids and a marriage. I am passing on a generation of individuals who regret not learning basic life skills such as laundry, cooking, tying their own ties, or managing their finances.”
Nicole believes it is her responsibility to teach these skills to her child and prepare him to contribute both within and beyond the home. She understands that it’s possible to teach valuable lessons while still allowing children to enjoy their childhood. Cooking and household chores are not considered too “manly” in her household. Nicole wants her son to grow up to be the kind of man who can cook a delicious meal and fix a flat tire.
It’s essential to remember that a man who believes he shouldn’t have to cook or clean up after himself was once a child who wasn’t taught any better. By teaching these skills to our children, we can shape a future generation that is capable, responsible, and self-sufficient.
Nicole’s scientific inclination runs in her family, and her approach to parenting has received widespread attention.
Numerous studies have shown that children who have assigned chores as they grow older develop a sense of responsibility, become more willing to take risks, and achieve greater goals. These tasks help them learn valuable life skills and contribute to their personal growth.
Nicole, in our eyes, you are a wonderful mother! Your approach to teaching your children important life skills is commendable.
