Stay at home dad wrong?

Question

Is it wrong to stay at home and take care of all the household chores and kids while my wife works. She doesnt seem to mind at all,she actually prefers it that way, but people tend to put their two-cents in all the time and make me feel like scum. What do you think?

Answer 1

Twenty years ago, people might have thought a stay-at-home dad was a ridiculous notion. Even with the best of intentions, folks would have found the whole idea "foreign" somehow.

The same thing applies to other traditionally "gender-specific" roles or occupations. A male nurse, 20 years ago? Practically unheard-of. A female CEO of a large company? Get real!

Now, these things (along with stay-at-home dads) are commonplace. That's a GOOD thing, in a number of ways. It's true that many (unfortunately, not ALL) of society's restrictions on "how far a woman can go" have been loosened or dismantled. And although it's not talked about (in the media) as frequently, the same thing applies to men.

For a man to be a stay-at-home dad isn't any more wrong than a woman being the "breadwinner" for the family. Which is to say, it is not wrong at all. There are roles which MUST be filled, in your household (and most others!). You and your wife chose to do what you are doing. The fact that you are the Dad doesn't diminish your abilities as a worker, just as the fact that your wife goes to work doesn't diminish the fact that she's a good Mom.

Each of you is contributing to the good of the whole (your family/household).

Answer 2

If you're asking for an opinion, there's nothing wrong with that. I mean, staying at home and taking care of the house and the kids is actually pretty hard at times. Plus, your wife prefers it that way. Don't feel like a scum. Although, you might want a job once your children grows up or else you'll have nothing to do. Just tell people to stop hatin' and mind their own busuiness! Just kidding!

Answer 3

My husband is a disabled vet. Now I don't mean that he is so disabled that he can't do anything. I just mean that he really can't do the type of jobs that he likes to do. We agreed a long time ago that I would work and he would manage the household. Because he takes care of the house, I am able to be more dedicated to my job. When I get an award or something for being an outstanding employee, I know that I would not be if he was not doing what he did so well.

Answer 4

You know, you're damned if you do, and you know the rest....
It would be one thing if you were just home-out of a job, not doing anything with a chaotic house, but that does not fit the stay at home dad criterior. I have a couple of friends who are stay at home dads (one of them even took paternity leave) but the point is, they are doing just that, they're being dads - and they are great dads, too.
If this is what you and your wife agree to, and it works for your household, then that is all that matters. Are your kids happy? Are they safe? Do they want or need for anything? Are the both of you happy? As long as you and your wife cover those bases, who cares what the nay sayers think?

Answer 5

Staying at home with the kids, either you be a Mom or a Dad is a very tough job. It is a valuable job that NOT ALL people can afford. Being with the kids is very challenging and it's a serious task for a parent to take.

Don't mind what other people might say. As long as your situation best fits your family and as long as you and your wife have talked about each ones duties, then everything will be just right.

You are very lucky because not all families can afford for one parent to stay home.. enjoy it and love what you're doing.

Most of all, children whose parents stay at home with them are the luckiest in the world...

Take care!!

Answer 6

I understand where you are coming from. I had to do that when I was unemployed and my youngest son was born in the early 90s. I loved it because we got to know each other more than most dads know their kids. To this day, we are specially close and he is a mid teen. He respects me and the bond between us is even more so than with my other kids that we have and adore.
I felt guilt because my wife worked and was for a few years. It all worked out. I wouldnt trade it for anything in the world.
As a father, I should of been working but under the circumstance I had to choice. I say, if you are able to do it were she agrees and you can do it financially, go for it.
Otherwise, it may bother your wife, even if she doesnt say anything. Regardless what the family thinks, you two have to make that decision. Word of advice, keep your families in the dark with your decision making. The less they know, the better you two will be!!

Answer 7

Do hell with those people. It is a personal choice and understanding between husband and wife. Well! if you are happy in raising your kids and looking after your household and if your wife is happy working out it is just fine. These days there are lots of men breaking up the stereo type role. Bravo for being a role model and may you be able to make a difference in your child's life.

Answer 8

I think you should be applauded. It's a job taking care of the home and the children, don't let anyone tell you different, they are probably the ones that never do it. It's the 21st century and you and your wife are among many couples who have "reversed the traditional roles". Be the best dad and husband you can be screw what those old-fashioned dolts think.
Lastly, I find Mr. Mom offensive, do they call women in the business world Mrs. Dad? There are negative connotations to how the saying originated.

Answer 9

I respect you 4 it, honest ..your wife has made the best decision, I would rather work 2 than take care of the kids, it is a hard, never time off,, 24 hours a day job and it requires alot of patience.
I applaud you and why listen 2 others 2 cents, that's between you and your wife, if it works for you guys, great.
Don't feel less than a man feel more of one.
Any man taking care of his kids is exceptional and should be appreciated as long as the wife continue 2 bring home the money.
If you can live off her income great.

Answer 10

Not at all. As long as the kids are getting their daily dose of motherly love (only from mommie - daddie cannot give what only a mommie can give). What every woman needs is a man who empathizes with her household responsibilities. You sound like you are taking that burden off her shoulders and making it your vocation. Very nice of you to show how much you appreciate your wife while she takes care of the income. I'm all in favor for households that keep the family unit together.