Many people think being a full-time homemaker is easier than being a working parent, but people who know can tell you this isn’t true. Being a stay-at-home mum can be deeply rewarding, but it is quite stressful.
So husband, if you and your wife have decided that you will keep working while she stays with the kids and manages the home, here are just 6 of the many ways you can make her life easier:
Help out when you get home. As soon as you step in, be ready to help out with the kids. Whether it’s comforting them, giving them a bath or feeding them, there’s always something you can do that will bring her relief; putting the kids to bed is something they will enjoy too even as mummy appreciates it. Also, calling or texting to ask if there’s anything you can pick up on the way is a plus.
Be ready to listen. She’s been with little people all day and finally, an adult! Listen to her, and also ask her how her day was. You’re tired? She’s tired too. Much as you’d like to watch TV or play video games, love is about putting the other person first, as much as possible. Let her have a listening ear in you.
Include her in the finances. That you’re the sole breadwinner (at least for now) doesn’t mean that your wife should be left out of the loop when it comes to family finances. Keep her involved in the budgeting and spending, and if she’s better at financial management, by all means, let her handle it. The family will be better off for it.
Romance her. Take date nights seriously so she always has something to look forward to even as she spends her day bathing, feeding, cleaning up and chasing after the little ones, not to mention doing homework, playing nurse, and keeping the home. Your actions go a long way in keeping things romantic and helping her feel sexy and desired, so keep the hugs, kisses, gifts and love notes coming.
Give her the gift of “me time”. Can you watch the kids while she sleeps, reads or spends time with her friends? Can you offer to cook or pay for takeout once in a while so she doesn’t have to? Every little thing you do towards helping her have some time to herself counts big time, especially when the kids are little. When my husband says “Come, let mummy rest for some time” I can literally feel my heart bursting with love, and not only am I inclined to express that love later at night, I actually have the energy!
Support her dreams. It’s unlikely she planned to, or wants to, be a housewife forever, so even as you help her through this phase, be ready to support her when it’s over, or when she wants to transition from stay-at-home mum to work-from-home mum. Whether she wants to go back to school or start a business from home, knowing that you’ve got her back all the way is priceless.
I once saw this quote on a BBM display picture: “A happy family is a reflection of a good father and a loving husband.” There’s certainly truth in that!