OP, you sound like a great guy. The bolded part above is the exact dynamic I see playing out in my friends' lives. It just creates a more balanced dynamic when both parents contribute equally to the household in all ways. Especially if your wife isn't personally happy, your youngest will almost certainly be better off in a daycare/preschool environment. |
I say as a mother of kids the same age as OP's - this is garbage. If the little one is going to preschool in a year, he/she is probably around 1. I have two kids the same age (active boys at that). I work full-time (at a flexible job), exercise, cook, take care of my house, etc. Unless OP's wife has postpartum depression or physical issues, being a year postpartum is not a disability and she needs to get it together. |
I was at OT with my kid. Now I'm waiting for a presentation to load. Keep trying, and just hope your husband doesn't feel like OP (who I think is totally in the right, btw). |
+1 (current SAHM whose husband wouldn't stand for a dirty house) |
I second this. Are you willing to take on daycare drop-offs/pick ups and getting kids ready in the morning? How much cooking, cleaning and laundry will be on your plate if she goes back to work? How about grocery shopping and taking kid's to pediatrician appointments? She clearly felt the juggle wasn't working before, and it may just be because she was doing most of these tasks. It's not really fair to say that you had an expectation that she would continue to work unless you also have a proven track record with helping with all of the non-paid household work. Perhaps she feels she has no choice but to stay at home because you don't help out as much with this stuff as you said you woud |
+2 |
So not helpful, except as a humble brag. |
Not at all. Saying that a woman whose youngest child is 1 is suffering physically and emotionally from pregnancy and can't be expected to pull her weight in the household is ridiculous. |
OP, I am a DW who was forced into a breadwinner role. My DH suddenly got very ill. So it wasn't even that we could quit daycare, he had no income, and add to that medical bills.
I let the resentment build until I exploded and finally went to therapy (and yes, I know it doesn't say great things about me to resent a sick person, but there you go). I am glad you are going to therapy. A lot of my issue was that I had to really work in therapy to ACCEPT that I was the breadwinner, something that I just never, ever wanted to be. I wanted to work (and always have), but also have a partner that did as well. Before this illness, my DH and I made nearly the exact same in terms of salary, so it was a nice balance. For me, I talked a lot about the feelings I had with my DH, especially after the first couple of therapy sessions. She perhaps just does not get it that you are feeling this much intense pressure. I am also a lot like your DW - I would have a very messy house and be completely "up to here" if I stayed home. I have met people who are so excellent at staying at home, so patient, that I feel like shrinking in their presence. It is just not meant for everyone. She may need to accept that as well, although I am not sure how you suggest that to her, or if she goes to therapy with you and comes to that conclusion herself. Best wishes. |
But I did! I mean if you actually asked my DW who did the heavy lifting when we both worked, it was me! I am more of a multi-tasker and really did the heavy lifting. I cooked more (still do), I really enjoyed it being more hands on. I actually am the neater person in the marriage (not a neat freak, just more organized). I actually miss being more involved but work is what it is (like my new job which makes staying home work requires me to do things like travel to NY for the day on the Acela, but thankfully allows me time to come home by dinner). |
Wow, you are dense. For some it is. Your experience is not universal. |
PP, I'm OP. Thank you for this. And I hope your husband is feeling better... |
Actually, he said her salary = daycare expenses. So there you go. OP's wife has made it clear she doesn't value investing in her career. So for her working is probably going to be just about money. Which will pay for daycare. Which they wouldn't have to pay for if she was a SAHM. OP is looking at this as a $ thing and he dislikes the options that she makes $ and they spend it on childcare and net at $0 or she doesn't work and they don't pay for childcare and they net at $0. |
He is, OP, thanks. And just got a job - 6 month contract but my fingers and toes are crossed. |
So you work PT? And if not, why did not your DH go to OT? Guess, he feels his job is more important than yours. Keep trying what? You are being a judgemental bitch, not me. My DH is an awesome dude. Let's see what excuse you invent to come here again. Bathroom break? |