The idea of women late in pregnancy ‘nesting’ – preparing the home for the arrival of their newborn – is ingrained in popular culture and reinforced by health-care professionals, but in fact has no scientific basis. We’ve been led to believe women have a biological urge to tidy, clean and prepare the home for their … Read more
Despite the outdated format, the premiere of Wife Swap NZ felt quietly revolutionary thanks to one woman. Alex Casey explains why. Everything about the Wife Swap format is cause for teeth-shattering cringe. Two families trade their wives – who are often also their precious unpaid cook, cleaner and child-minder – for a week in the … Read more
Wendyl Nissen, in an extract from her new book of household tips, advises natural ways to kill the worst thing about summer – flies. Flies drive me absolutely nuts and, unfortunately, with hens come flies. Up north the flies are especially bad in the heat of March and I must confess that after putting out … Read more
The old saw about men being less capable of noticing household dirt isn’t the reason they do so much less housework than women. The truth is, it’s all about gendered expectations. The problem with housework is that it is never-ending drudgery. As soon as the floor is cleaned, the dog throws up, the kids spill … Read more