Amber Aubrey, a stay-at-home mother, jokingly revealed on TikTok that she charges her husband nearly $3,000 weekly for a variety of household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and breastfeeding. She breaks down her charges, including $20 per load of dishes, $35 per load of laundry, and $60 per bathroom clean, among others. She also includes duties such as grocery shopping, homeschooling, and chauffeuring the kids, bringing the total to $2,700 every seven days. Aubrey humorously mentions that her husband could save money by helping her with these tasks.
While Aubrey’s video may be tongue-in-cheek, it does bring attention to the value of a homemaker’s work. Research shows that stay-at-home moms in NYC alone do over $4,300 worth of chores each month. Other women like Alyssa “Ally” Dee have also shared their experiences as traditional wives who receive financial compensation from their husbands for their household work. Dee, a former military woman, explained that being a homemaker is the best job she has ever had, and her husband gladly pays her $100 per week as a thank you.
Aubrey’s humorous take on charging her husband for household duties has sparked discussions online, with many applauding her for bringing home money and suggesting she is actually undercharging for her efforts. Her list of charges includes specifics such as the frequency of tasks like dishwashing and laundry, the cost of homeschooling tuition, and fees for personal chef services, childcare, and breastfeeding. By meticulously breaking down her charges, Aubrey sheds light on the often overlooked and undervalued work of stay-at-home moms.
It is not uncommon for stay-at-home moms and traditional wives to receive financial compensation from their partners as a show of appreciation for their hard work in running the household. While some may view these arrangements as unconventional, women like Dee and Aubrey find fulfillment and satisfaction in their roles as homemakers. By sharing their experiences on social media platforms like TikTok and news channels, they are also challenging societal norms and shedding light on the importance of recognizing and valuing the labor of domestic engineers.
As the conversation around the value of homemakers’ work continues to gain traction, it is important to acknowledge the dedication and effort that goes into running a household. Whether it is through financial compensation or expressions of gratitude, recognizing the contributions of stay-at-home moms and traditional wives is essential in promoting gender equality and creating a more inclusive society. Aubrey’s viral video serves as a reminder that the work of a homemaker is invaluable and deserving of respect and recognition.