As I left work last Wednesday, I was mulling over what I should write about in this week's column. I decided a 401(k) question I received from a reader would be a good option.

But I never had the chance to work on it.

I had been taking chills all day, and by the time I got home, I was in full-blown-sick mode. I was off Thursday and Friday with strep throat, and my column plans got away from me.

So, you're wondering, what has this to do with personal finance?

Well, I was nice enough to pass my illness on to my wife — which, combined with being sick in bed and unable to get my usual last-minute gift, made for a lovely Valentine's Day. (My failure to give wonderful, thoughtful, romantic gifts is legendary, and this just added to the legend. I'm not proud of that, but it's true.)

As I got better and she grew sicker on Sunday, I did my best to let her rest, keep our four children out of her hair, attempt to make dinner and generally help the household push forward.

Since all of us would be home on Monday for Presidents Day, I knew I would have to step up again.

So I gathered the children around — all but the 3-year-old, who resists any efforts to be "gathered" — and told them Mommy wouldn't be able to help them much on Monday, because she wasn't feeling well.

"That means I'll be helping you do your homework and get your bath and stuff like that," I said, thinking I sounded like a very efficient, effective parent.

Then my second-oldest daughter said, with a somewhat-horrified tone in her voice, "And feeding us?"

And that's when I really understood something about the division of labor in the Kratz household.

Yes, I do my best to help around the house. My job's hours aren't ideal, and I have church responsibilities that keep me busy when I'm not here at the News. That means I'm not around the house a lot of the time.

But when I am home, I really try to take action. I play with the children and assist them with their homework. I wash the dishes and sweep the kitchen floor. I sort, wash and fold laundry. I pick up toys and put stuff away.

I know my wife appreciates these efforts.

However, as my daughter's question shows, there is no doubt about who really takes care of things in our home. When our children need something, when they're hungry, when they're stumped on a homework question, when they need a treat for school the next day, when they don't feel well, they know Mommy will be there.

And they're right.