There are different ways of managing the home and the choice made will greatly affect family life. The father and mother should therefore decide wisely on this matter if they want to raise a happy family well-provided for in every way possible. These different ways are influenced by certain factors such as:

The Philosophy of the Parents. Some parents believe that that their children should be allowed to fully enjoy themselves and be spared from household chores. Children in these families grow into adults not even knowing how to cook rice or iron a shirt. Other parents, however, believe in training their children to do household chores. In such households, children who are still in their elementary years can already cook and know the basics of keeping house. An upbringing like this adequately prepares the children for an independent life later on.

The Household Budget. If the household budget allows, a family can purchase food items and other groceries for a whole week or longer during weekends. This spares the family members the trouble of having to go to the market everyday. This also allows the family to plan meals in advance. Also, a bigger budget may include provisions for household help. This eases the burden or house chores on the family. Some families do not hire help but save up for a washing machine, a floor polisher, or a vacuum cleaner to simplify housework.

The Resources and Facilities Available to the Family. When resources and facilities available to the family are limited, then the activities of the family members have to be adjusted accordingly. For example, when some members of the family have to sleep in the living or dining rooms, then the home manager restricts the entertainment of visitors in the evenings. Or, if the water supply in the neighborhood is available only until the early evenings, then the family members should have cleaned up the kitchen, bathed, and filled up water containers before the water supply is cut off.

The Amount of Time Parents Can Give in Managing the Home. There are times when both parents are busy working. In such households, the eldest child is made responsible for administering matters in the house based on the policies set by the parents. The child-administrator supervises the activities of the younger siblings, prepares meals, takes care of the younger children, and does the laundry. While the parents are away, the child administrator or guardian is regarded as the head of the household and should be respected and obeyed.