Saudi Gazette report HOFOUF, Ahsa — Girls who do not learn how to cook and clean in their own homes will grow up to be incompetent at managing their own households, according to sociologists. Fathiyah Saleh, sociologist, told Alsharq recently that teaching young girls how to cook and how to help around in the house was of “paramount” importance. Saleh said: “It is important to teach children how to depend on themselves and provide their own food. “When a married couple has to go to their parents' house to eat, this means they are not participating in the household.” Ibrahim Al-Eid, a single man, said most women nowadays are unqualified to run a household and have no idea how to cook. He said: “When we don't teach girls how to cook and help their mothers around the house, they will not be able to acquire these skills when they are older. “Couples nowadays eat most of their meals outside or the wives order food from home kitchens.” Omar Al-Essa, also single, believed most women nowadays did not have a clue how to run their household. He said: “I know of husbands who drop their wives to their parents' house every day after work and then go to their own parents' house to eat. It is as if they are both single. They even spend the rest of their day apart.” Ahmad Al-Abdullah, newlywed, said his wife brings her mother's housemaid to their house to clean it. “She even brings her sisters over to help her out around the house. “She has too many demands and every day we order food from restaurants. “She even takes pictures of the food and posts them on social media to show off to her friends when she should be ashamed for not knowing how to cook.” Khalid Al-Salman, married, said husbands do not want their wives to be housemaids or chefs but they do not want to live in their own home like strangers either. “What's the point of the marriage if the husband spends more time at his parents' house? “Being husband and wife is not just ink on paper. Wives should learn how to take care of the household.” On the other hand, Ahmad Ali said his wedding is less than two months away and does not mind if his fiancée does not cook. “I love her dearly and I respect her wish not to cook. The most important thing for me is that she also respects my needs and at least tries to learn how to cook. “If she never cooks, that's fine by me.” Umm Ahmad, a chef who works from home, said many newlywed brides have absolutely no experience or knowledge in cooking. “They often call me to cook for them. “They depend on me for daily meals and on special occasions. “It is a very profitable business, being a home chef. “I don't have to be at their house to cook, I can do it from my home, at my own comfort and in my own way.”
