I agree this is a valid choice for you and your husband to make for your family. No one disagrees with that. it's the unilateral decision by OP's wife that this is the fundamental problem. He did not agree to subsidize her leisure in perpetuity, and asking her simply to work the hours the children are in school is a modest proposal. He has already stated is he an involved father, and I'm sure can handle some of the carpool logistics and housework beyond what he already does. Though if they want to prioritize activities over adequate retirement and college funds, that is a decision they should make together. Otherwise, if she continues to ostrich and run off to yoga and coffee, she needs an allowance, like any other dependent. |
F@ck yeah, I need my naps! |
You clearly don't have kids in orthodontics! I work I a small office of women and with six kids in braces, we had about 1 appt every 10 days between us. We decidesd as a group to tell our DHs to take off to take them - so it is more equitable. |
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Pp here stil laughing at the list - and I work full time.
--kids activities - you have to enroll every season, plan parties, organize carpools, participate in them, pay coaching fees, pay for coach gifts, buy equipment, buy more equipment when it gets lost --kids clothes - my kid grew out of his sneakers in 6 weeks, so yeah, a 1x per year trip doesn't cut it --you need ink to print the damn Amazon cards, you also needs to get bar/bat mitzvah clothes, cards, lots of carpooling too PTA dues -- 1x per year. I also had to pay for school photos, yearbook, book of kids writing, books to read in class, science fair supplies, teacher gifts, fundraising bricks, field trips, auction donations, extra supplies b/c the teacher ran out of tissues, headphone per teacher, sports dues for bus, fair tickets, 8th grade grad events. That was this year. I won't go on about other school obligation that aren't $ related - but thanks for the laugh. |
Don't be so quick to judge. I'm not PP but could be, I do all that , underwear included, and I WOHM. And I'm the primary breadwinner |
Frankly I just don't get this argument. I have 3 kids and do all this while working FT. OP indicated finances are strained, he wants DW to bring in more $. You can still do all the planning and scheduling and appointments while working FT, I do, as do so many others. Doesn't require a SAHP. |
If the stats are to be believed, most women seem to do these jobs in their households - i agree with that. I also agree that it takes forward planning and really can be as extensive as you laid out. The thing is, many of us do these things and work too. Sure it can seem like a lot sometimes but honestly, compared to a farmer's wife 70 years ago, or a woman taking in washing or sewing to make ends meet for her family in the 1800s, it seems pretty easy. I have time to take a yoga class, read for pleasure etc in addition to managing my work schedule and my kids schedules. |
| Working mom here - 30 h per week. Chore list given here is vastly oversimplified. My husband constantly travels and I am always stressed about running the household smoothly. I wish I could just focus on my job rather than always having house stuff to worry about. 3 kids with all their dr. appts + dentist visits. They don't get sick too often but still have multiple dr visits due to sports injuries or something random like maybe strep throat or maybe not. I have my own appointments (dentist, OB, mammogram, eyes, physician. Kids often have something at school like an open house or parent breakfast or field trip (youngest is in ES). This does not include servicing my car or if something is wrong with car. House maintenance and repairs also have to be dealt with. We also get family and friends visiting who always stay with us. I feel bad not seeing them and just bolting to the office. Occasional coffee with a friend just to maintain contact. Shuttling kids around to activities all afternoon and sometimes the times of the activities randomly change (winter soccer for travel team). I find juggling everything incredibly challenging. |
Op does not travel and is a Fed home for dinner and involved in childcare and household. Very different scenarios. |
| Just wanted to add that I have an hour commute one way and kids are on the challenging side. I guess all I'm trying to say is that let's not be so quick to judge. Everyone has unique situations and different capacities to handle their stuff along with varying amounts of help. WOH vs. SAH is a useless fight. Some weeks I wish I worked full time and other weeks I wish I worked less. |
To each their own, but then don't complain about not having enough money, or not being able to do everything. This is what having a full life with family and career often looks like. |
We picked an orthodontist within walking distance of our house so a parent didn't have to go to all the appointments. |
A lot can be done online. Please. My boys are 15 and 17 and I work full time too. |
You only work 30 hours a week. Just plan as best you can. |
The "different capacities" comment is spot on. |