In today’s world, chores and household skills are still often labeled as “girls’ work,” while boys are expected to be handy with tools or excel in sports. But one Michigan mom is flipping the script—and inspiring parents everywhere.
Nicole Boulogne, a single mom of two, recently faced criticism after sharing photos of her 7-year-old son cooking and helping around the house. Some commenters questioned her parenting, insisting boys shouldn’t do chores or help with cooking—because, according to them, that’s “women’s work.”
Nicole’s response? Life skills are for everyone. She’s raising her kids to be independent, capable, and responsible. Her older child already knows how to cook simple meals, mow the lawn, and do the dishes, while her younger one is on track to learn the same as he grows.
She explains her philosophy clearly:
“I teach my son to cook and do household chores. Why? Because household work isn’t just for women. One day, he might be a single man living on his own who actually knows how to do laundry and cook meals. He might want to impress a partner with a meal he made himself. He’ll need to share responsibilities when he has a family. Teaching him these skills now ensures he grows into a capable, responsible adult. A man who refuses to cook or do chores was once a boy who was never taught better.”