Tips from Dad:

     Will your house have a stay-at-home mom, a stay-at-home dad, or both parents working? There is no right answer, and every couple must decide what is best for them. With more women going to work, the economy going down, and the picture of the modern family changing, this is not an easy decision. My wife got her degree, but decided to stay at home until our kids are in school. Being a stay at home mom is a mixed blessing, and it is important to understand this before making your decision.

Pros of Stay-At-Home Moms (or Dads)

1. Most kids who are raised at home learn earlier and are more prepared for school.
2. Most kids raised at home are more well adjusted, feel secure, and are closer to their parents.
3. No on else will teach your child your morals and values.
4. Daycares are costly. Combined with gas prices, you may not benefit that much from an extra paycheck.
5. Mothers often feel guilt from having to leave their kids with someone else to raise. Fathers have always been expected to go to work, but Mothers feel torn between choices.
6. Your kids are only young for a little while.

Cons of Stay-At-Home Moms (or Dads)

1. Stay-at-home moms never get off work. The stress, frustration, and often depression can strain the whole family.
2. A single income can cause financial problems that put more stress on the marriage.
3. Many kids do very well benefiting from being around other kids their age.

Sharing the Workload
     Since my wife stays at home, I can give you tips on making this work without constantly being at each others throats.

To the Moms:
     Are you watching the clock for your husband to get home? Stressed and frustrated and need a break? Don’t hit your husband at the door with bad news, stress, or household work. He may be home, but his mind is probably 15 minutes behind him. A “Hi Honey”, a kiss, and fifteen minutes to relax may keep you from having an evening of tention and fighting.

To the Dads:
     Do you come home to a stressed out wife? Well, you left your work at work. You work 8 hours a day, she works 24. Want to keep your marriage and family running smoothly. Come home, take fifteen minutes, and pitch in. As the old saying goes, “If momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” You have to respect and appreciate the mother of your children. 

Find creative ways to help out.

1. Be the house’s weekend cook.
2. Send your wife to the store, alone, in a quite car, to get anything or nothing.
3. Now and then, come home with roses and a smile.
4. Take your turn at the laundry, dishes, vacuuming, etc.
5. Play with your kids in the floor for an hour, and give your wife a chance to relax with a book or her favorite movie.
6. Get a babysitter at least one night a week, and take your wife to dinner and a movie.

To Both of You
     Marriage work best when each of you try to think about what the other one needs. However you decide to run your home and family, you have to work together and continually find new ways to help each other. Always remember to see things from your spouse’s point of view. Make sure you take time for yourself, so you can be a better parent and spouse. Make sure you give your spouse time to do the same.