Running a household is always a challenging task for everyone; between work and social commitments, keeping the house in order always seems to fall to the bottom of the to-do list!

Now add a baby into the mix and dividing the domestic workload fairly becomes a must.

Take this quiz to see if you and your partner are doing a good job at sharing the workload, or if one of you needs to step up and pitch in a little more with baby and around the house.

1. When the baby wakes up in the middle of the night…
A) Since my partner is at work all day, this is his chance to spend some time with the baby. The pumped milk is in the fridge!
B) My partner and I take turns to feed/change the baby. We both need to get some rest.
C) I feed/change the baby and try to do it as quietly as possible; hubby is a light sleeper so I don’t want to disturb him…he needs his rest.

2. Dishes are pilling up in the sink…
A) Wonder when daddy will get to them? He really needs to pull his weight around here.
B) Whoever gets to them first will take care of them. There are so many more dishes now that baby is here but we try to get them done as soon as we can.
C) I really need to find the time to get to them. I’m on maternity leave and should be able to handle these mundane chores.

3. How often does the laundry get done in your house?
A) Whenever my partner gets to it. Usually on the weekends or in the evenings.
B) Every couple of days; one of us will see the basket full and take care of it. With baby, we need to stay on top of it.
C) Every few days, between feedings and naps and…well, everything!! But I never get to folding it so I’ve made the mistake of re-laundering…oops.

4. Who does most of the cooking in your house?
A) Hubby,, UberEats…I can’t do it all…
B) We try to cook dinner together most nights. It’s a nice time to debrief the day…
C) Me, of course! I spend all my time in the kitchen, so who else?

5. Poop again!! Who is changing that diaper?
A) I don’t do diapers…I have to pump, so that’s my contribution!
B) We alternate…it’s the only way to survive the trauma.
C) That’s me again! Hubby will help me with pee diapers on occasion but just can’t handle number 2.

6. When family or friends come to visit the baby, you feel:
A) Excited!! I can’t wait to hear all the news from the adult world!
B) Happy but a bit nervous if my partner is at work; he usually helps with the baby and hosting. If he’s home, I’m much more relaxed.
C) Panicked; I have to clean up, cook and deal with the baby. And be exhausted, after they leave!

7. At the end of the day, you are:
A) Tired from all the running around; so many errands to run and it doesn’t help that my partner is always complaining that I’m out too much!
B) Tired but fulfilled. Parenting is hard but thankfully, it’s not so bad when it’s two-on-one!
C) Depleted! I have no energy and fall asleep watching Netflix every night.

8. A common sentiment repeated by your partner is:
A) “You need to spend more time with the baby and at home.” What does he know? He didn’t carry this baby for 9 months.
B) “Slow down honey…we are in this together!”
C) “What’s for dinner?”

9. Who is keeping track of what is missing from the fridge or pantry? Who makes the grocery list?
A) My hubby; he’s doing most of the cooking and grocery shopping so it only makes sense!
B) We have a running list on the fridge door; whoever sees something missing adds it on!
C) Again, that would be me. Since I’m doing the cooking and grocery shopping, why not prep the list too?

10. Who plans family get-togethers, weekend events, outings with friends, date nights, etc.?
A) That’s all me; I make the plans and my partner does the prep!
B) We plan most things together and try out best to divide the prep equally.
C) Me, me and me…but who has time for date nights???

Mostly A’s:
While it is true that you just popped out a baby and you deserve some time to yourself, you need to find a better balance. The 9 months of carrying the baby doesn’t mean you get the next 9 months off!

Mostly B’s:
Domestic Workload Balance achieved! Good for you and your partner. You two seem to have an even balance with the tasks of running a household and now that baby is here, this will be a huge plus point.

Mostly C’s:
You are doing a great job, Super Mom, but this workload is going to kill you! Your partner needs to step up and help a lot more with the baby and all the everyday household tasks. It’s time for what might be a tough conversation, but will be worth it in the long run. These patterns have to change before baby number two comes around!