A common plight of many working moms is that our partners don't help out as much at home as we need them to. It may seem obvious, but new research shows that sharing the load makes for a happier marriage. The catch is that the share doesn't necessarily have to be equal to have this effect, that the concept of sharing tasks can vary from couple to couple—but both spouses need to agree on the division of chores. 

In the new study, from the University of Missouri, Brigham Young University and Utah State University, researchers surveyed young parents who were married an average of five years and had at least one child age 5 or younger. The findings reveal that wives’ perception of their husbands helping out plays a very important role. When they believe their husbands are doing their part around the home, both spouses experience better relationship satisfaction. It also helps when dads are hands-on with their kids. “When wives felt their husbands were close to their children, both spouses reported better marriages,” said study researcher Adam Galovan, a doctoral student in the MU Department of Human Development and Family Studies. It appears that when dads do chores and spend time with their children, they become more connected with their spouses, resulting in better relationships. 

Galovan futher suggests that couples can counteract the stress of parenthood by making each other a priority. Even simple shared moments like washing dishes or watching a film together can support their relationship.

Does this work for you? Let us know in the comments below.