[beebs09]

Do you think a week would be enough time for DH to appreciative the work involved in looking after 2 young children and running the household.

I've just had a rare movie night with friends, where kids were fed and in pjs and I had also prepared DHs dinner before I left (to make it easy on him the poor sweetheart having to look after his kids on his own for a few hours - this was while he was watching a movie and he went for his Saturday ritual 2-3hr bike ride this morning) And I've had it confirmed from friends yet again how little DH does other than his day job, and how do I put up with it.

DH also had a go at me today about mess, which I blew up about.

I think the only way for him to appreciate my many roles is for him to do what I do for a week. But maybe a month would be better. I just wish he would contribute a bit more with little things like a nappy change here and there. Cooking a meal here and there (does maybe once a week atm). Cleaning the bloody mirror after he flosses and putting the used floss in the bin!

Problem is I am a bit messy, but I feel as though if he just pitched in a little bit then the place would be clean. If only he sorted the kids for bed and kept them occupied so I could focus on tidying the kitchen etc.

It's just such an ongoing battle, and kids are so messy. What do ya do hey?

This post has been edited by beebs09: 01/12/2012, 10:36 PM

[raone]

I would also like to know how to do this as it seems like a chore for Dh to even hold bub. I don't really need his help but I would like him to form a bond with his child! (As well pick up after himself thats all I ask)

[jayskette]

lol I remember reading about a woman in the same situation, she just booked a holiday for a week with her girlfriends and just left to her DH to handle by himself, they had 3 kids (2 toddlers 1 baby) and the DH was a completely different man upon her return *nudge nudge*

[Sunnycat]

DH had DS last week for one day while I was at work. He rang me to ask what time I was coming home at 9:30am. Every time I spoke to him on the phone DS was screaming in the background. DS rarely cries and is never like that for me or my parents.

I was going to cancel the rest of my leave as DH is home to look after DS but DH didn't want me to cancel it unless necessary.

DH looked after DS the first day I went back to work back in September and had a blast and has been saying how he'd like to be a SAHD. He has completely changed his mind now.

DS wasn't bad, just demanding. I also think DS thought I was at home hiding so was even more upset.

Good luck. I think a week is plenty!

[beebs09]

DH is able to look after the kids when I'm not around like when I pick up an extra Sunday shift. Absolutely nothing else is done on those days though.

As soon as I'm around though, oh he's too tired. Or if you don't cook I'm just going to order takeaway (which is fab for the budget let alone health). Baby winges - oh just put him back to bed is always his solution, even if he's just got up an hour ago. I think DS spends a lot of his time in his cot when I work Why is it always a battle.

I want a full week so he has to do round the clock parenting, household chores, grocery shopping and meal prep etc. As soon as I wean DS I reckon I'm off interstate for a week. He's got lots of leave and is apparently burnt out from work. Win win right?

Oh and look after the dogs too.

This post has been edited by beebs09: 01/12/2012, 11:04 PM

[Sunnycat]

Nothing gets done when DH looks after DS either. I think going away for a week to recuperate and recharge while he learns to manage the household sounds like a good idea

[beebs09]

Thanks Sunnycat. I never did reply to that thread about who kills threads in fear that it would be me lol. Clearly another one of my shining examples of a boring read, but it was more of a vent anyway.
Cheers.

[lozoodle]

Threads like this make me appreciate my dp so much. He isnt home much due to working hours but when he is he does pretty much the same amount i would.

It needs to be more than a week. A week is a little holiday from work and its still a novelty. A month is more realistic!!! And in that month you have to not do anything you normally would so he reslises it wont get done otherwise.

[prettypenny]

I had to go away for 2 weeks training when I returned to work when DD1 was 15 months. DH took leave and looked after her. Prior to this "secondment" he would help when prompted but after it he was way more proactive.

I say worth a try.

[cinnabubble]

Are you planning on going to work? It won't be a proper swap unless you're doing what he does.