1. DIVIDING TASKS OF PARENTHOOD

2. YOUR TASK…
Each of you should have received three pieces of stereotypical coloured paper…
PINK to represent a mother’s task
BLUE to represent a father’s task
YELLOW to represent both parents responsibility of the task
As each statement is read, indicate who you think should be responsible for the task by holding up the appropriate coloured paper
There is no right or wrong answer…simply your own opinion (which may be based on how you would like your future to look or how things are in your family currently)

3. PARENTING DECISIONS Deciding whether or not to have children
Deciding how many children to have
Attending parent training courses
Reading books and articles to improve parenting skills

4. CARING FOR AN INFANT Feeding the infant Bathing the infant
Diapering the infant
Dressing the infant
Comforting a crying infant
Caring for a sick infant

5. CARING FOR CHILDREN

6. Putting children to bed
Getting children ready for school
Taking children to school
Toilet training children
Playing with children
Participating as an adult sponsor in children’s group activities

7. Reading to children
Teaching children right from wrong
Disciplining children when they misbehave
Teaching children about religion
Deciding what children will watch on TV
Getting up in the middle of the night to care for children
Determining family rules

8. HOUSEHOLD CHORES Preparing meals Making the beds
Cleaning the bathrooms
Washing and putting away dishes
Dusting, vacuuming, sweeping, mopping
Washing, folding and putting away laundry
Taking care of the garbage, recycling and green waste

9. Making household repairs
Mowing the lawn and other yard work
Maintaining cars and other vehicles

10. CONSUMER RESPONSIBILITIES
Purchasing clothing
Purchasing food
Managing the family budget
Giving children allowance
Buying household items
Arranging for childcare
Earning money to support the family
Arranging for family recreation

11. DISCUSSION TIME!

12. Who do you expect to take care of the majority of tasks in your future family? Why?
How is this division of tasks similar to or different from your current family?
Do you see your future family following the pattern of your current family? Why or why not?
Why is it important for a couple to agree on the division of tasks before they decide to have children?