OP, here. DH is gearing up for a big work assignment so he'll be away for 2 months. I feel like I should wait to bring it up until after he's back, but that's 3 months away and I wonder if it will get worse. Wow! Seeing all of your responses make me realize how much dads interact with their kids. My dad wasn't present for most of my childhood so I don't have an experience to work from. When I said "play", I really meant interact. other than bedtime and the occasional meal, I'm on the clock and I know how wearing it will be for me when I'm back at work. I would say that my job is stressful, not as stressful as DH's, but stressful nonetheless. Thanks for sharing. You've opened my eyes.

My DH plays with the kids all the time. Yes even the baby, he makes eye contact with her and sings and responds to her vocalizations. It's important for their development to have that with both parents. And I would NOT tolerate him saying it's boring and trying to shirk his fair share. So what if it's boring, it needs to get done so do your part.

OP, I don't see why you being on maternity leave makes a difference. Your 3yo needs time with her father, and having a new baby only makes that more important. It's about the children's needs, not just yours.

All the time. BUt its hard. OP would it help if you set up organized acitvities for him to get more comfortable. My DH takes our 3 year old to ballet which requires parent participation. they both love it and its something DD likes to "practice" at home with him. Or they head to playground together. Maybe something more physical like chasing, hide and seek etc instead of pretend games? The main thing is for you to stay out of the way and not criticize so he feels like can develop his own style of play with the kids.

Anonymous wrote:I don't want to stereotype, but I've seen it often enough: many men just aren't that into babies. Once the kid hits 2 they are much more engaged. Sad, and stupid, but true.

Let's be honest: playing with a baby is boring as all get out. I love my kids, but it is mind-numbing.

When my kids were babies I would take them places - a walk, the pool, the mall, the park, a construction site to watch the trucks roll around, -etc. - somewhere we were doing stuff together that was ok for him and not stultifying for me. But sitting there passing a block back and forth or playing peek-a-boo? Candyland for the 10,000th time? Ugh. Each minute seemed like an hour.

Much better as the kids get older.

Signed,

A dad of (thankfully) older kids