Husband is SAHD to our 1 kid. It's a constant struggle to keep the house liveable. He cleans the kitchen every few days and bathrooms once every month or two. I have to clean daily to not rage. I solo parent 3.5 hours a day during week while he largely sits on phone or sleeps in. Feeling increasingly resentful. Is this normal? What are others doing?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I work a busy FT job and I do the daily dishes, clean/sanitize bottles, walk the dog, bathe baby, feed/burp baby, and put baby down for bed every night because my wife pumps.

Your husband can do better.

like

I just transitioned to a SAHP from biglaw for a bit while we moved to a new area. SAH is rough. Let me offer where he is coming from by breaking it down.

Let’s say your kid sleeps 10 hours a night, and you are doing 3 hours/day (you do wake up and bedtime, but let’s be honest, sometimes you stay for a late filing or happy hour). That means he’s responsible and “on” for 11 hrs/day… he’s working 55 hrs during the week or more - without that crucial adult interaction. This doesn’t include the weekend, when you are likely also working, and want to have family time (which can feel like just an extension of the week for a SAHP if you’re still childminding). You wouldn’t ask — or want— a nanny to work that much (and could not ask an au pair to do so).

There’s also a Venn diagram of childcare, cleaning, and cooking. I found only two are feasible, and I assume you’ll want your child to have at least three meals and a snack a day.

Cut him some slack, and get him a cleaner or send your kid to daycare a morning or two.

like

This sounds like you're part of the problem here, and there's a disconnect between you two on standards. Have you tried ... talking? If you have to "clean daily not to rage" that says more about you than him. If you can swing it, I'd suggest getting someone to clean weekly. It'll save a lot of strife.

like

We've talked endlessly. He says he can't do more. I feel my standards are pretty low. Example: When we finish eating dinner, he'll leave the dirty plates and dishes on the table. My request is to just stack the dirty dishes in the sink or on the counter. I do this with my dishes but I obviously can't force him to clean after himself.

like

Sounds like you need to have a frank conversation of what the expectations are for each party. And have alternatives, like if you can’t maintain house etc, you need to go back to work in order to afford to pay for child care, maid, etc…

like

How old is your child and is your husband responsible for watching them all day Monday through Friday?

like

It’s hard as F to be a SAHP. I was one for 4 years and it’s more exhausting and thankless than working in big law. If you can afford it, buy more help (cleaning and childcare). You shouldn’t be providing so much daily parenting, unless you want to, and you shouldn’t expect your husband to maintain a spotlessly clean house in addition to parenting a 1 year old. When I was a SAHP, I probably cleaned the bathroom twice a year (right before my in laws came to visit).

Just reread your post and realized you said you have 1 kid, not a 1 year old. My answer changes depending on the age of your kid.

helpful

I get it. I totally do as I hate mess too. But, in marriage, I’ve found it helpful to just gracefully accept what the other is able to offer and either compromise your own standards or pay for extra help. If you’ve already had numerous conversations with him, it doesn’t sound like there’s any way he’ll change. Either he doesn’t have the skills (lack of executive functioning skills) or he doesn’t have the emotional/time bandwidth. And, in the grand scheme of everything marriage and family, this is really a minor problem.

like

Get a cleaning lady. Working in this profession is not easy and we make enough money to get help from outside the home. You won’t regret it.

like

When during the day are the 3.5 hours that you solo parent? Mornings and after work? How old is your kid? Does he prepare the meals?

I grew up with a SAHD and let me tell you, it’s brutal for them on many different levels not least of which is the emasculation that comes from not providing financially for the family

My husband watches our 6 month old while I work, 8-5, M-F. I have her almost 100% the rest of the time, and I nurse her at lunch every workday in addition to pumping twice. I also do all of our grocery shopping and meal prep (while caring for the baby). My husband just told me it's unreasonable to expect him to have the kitchen clean from my meal prep by Monday night so apparently I'll have to do that myself if I want it done. It sucks and I'm exhausted. Most of the house usually doesn't get clean.

Except for severe inability to get tasks done, he is a good partner, I love him, and he does a terrific job with our daughter. I would much rather her be with him than at daycare, so I choose to be ok with this situation. We're only having one kid, so I remind myself this season won't last long. Also, when I get past my clerkship we should have enough income to hire more help.

Still ... I'm exhausted and it sucks.

Can you hire a cleaning person?

Related Posts

After nearly a year WFH and being with my family 24/7, I’m not entirely sure we actually like each other. Or maybe they don’t like me being at home. Or they don’t like me. Probably the latter 😞

like

28, still haven't moved out of parents' home. Anyone else in similar situation?

like

Sometimes I feel like I am a drone that just works all the time and I have no friends.

likefunny

I'm not sure how Fish Bowl works, but hi! I was wondering, is it just me, or sometimes insurance companies require so much from the families we work with? I have a kiddo who is required to do early start for minimum 9 hours a week to be eligible for services. Then they are recommended 25 hours of services per week.. I feel the parents are starting to get concerned due to the amount of hours the kiddo working. Basically almost a full-time job for a kid who's barely 2... thoughts?

I was married for 3 years & she left 1 day bc she realized that she was no longer “happy”. A week later, I caught her in a parking lot w/ her coworker & finalized the divorce. In my mind she was perfect in every way except for the infidelity. After 8 months of therapy and on and off dating, I got into a new relationship but I became commitment phobic & see flaws when I compare my ex to my new gf. 1yr has passed now and I still feel like I’m settling and not mad in love. Wwyd? 2y since divorce.

Any book recommendations for grieving the death of an estranged parent?

like

If you loved your small independent broker dealer but they had just been acquired by a much larger corporation which does have benefits in terms, mostly, in technology, but you lose your “family” in the home office, what would you do and who would you look at if you were considering a change of your own?

like

Anyone who said no to a prospect because of personal reasons? Going through a rough patch and would really appreciate some advise on how to do it without burning (that many) bridges.

like

I felt like a walking zombie during thanksgiving, barely eating and barely talking. My family is small and I told them ahead of time my relationship ended. I focused on my niece and nephews, cried when I wanted to and slept from 8pm-noon for the last 5 days. Showered once or twice. That’s the best I could do and that’s OK right now. I’m back in my apartment, just trying to take it one day at a time, and not re read his texts too much. My birthday is Thursday 🙄

like

I low key miss fridays in the office because I don’t know how to make new friends as a 26 year old

likefunny

I don't have any friends in banglore. It is hard for me to find friends cause i am always that aloof kid who in addition is not straight so can't even bond with my teammates. How do people live like this. Even my flatmates don't talk . : (

like

Have you ever been or currently in a relationship with someone of who’s political beliefs conflict with your own?

Not dealing with this currently have dealt with it in the past. My parents started out opposites but now believe similarly. I’m wondering if it is possible in this day and age.

like

Just moved to Chicago and looking to make new friends.

Age 26, if that matters

like

Women- if your husband says he fantizes about xyz actresses and models- how would you feel?

likefunny

Trying to be really understanding about coworkers with no children feeling stressed during the holiday season, but it's hard not to ask if they'd prefer to go home to my sick kid, frustrated spouse and dirty house instead of their empty apartment where they have a flat screen TV and a beer waiting. How do you keep sane?

like

Hi! Have any here gone the natural cycle IVF route? What was your experience like? Did you have success in growing your family this way? Would you recommend it to others?

like

I’m mid 30s F. Recently started seeing this guy, where he is “good enough”. Good conversations, decent time together, he has a good heart, but nothing about him shines. - not fit (I work out everyday and play sports), meh social skills (he doesn’t have best friends, just few he hangs out with), bit less energy than me.
There is a feeling in me that says “he’s going to be a comfortable life partner” and “he is just good enough, but if I break up I won’t find someone for a long time”
Do I stay?

like

What's the hardest part of being a working parent in law? My wife and I are considering trying to get pregnant.

like

More Posts

Anyone here from Toronto area? Looking to relocate from NY to Toronto and in search of apartment/condo. My budget is $1500 for a 1bd. Is that realistic? Things I care about:
1. Walking distance to gym
2. Walking distance to a grocery store
3. Proximity to Old Toronto/kings st (work) with biking/public transport
4. Don't plan to own a car

What are some good sites to look for apartments or realtors?

likehelpful

Good morning, can someone tell me what is the fastest route/next steps for a special education teacher to become an LTSE?

like

what is the IPT group in Accenture ? and how is it different from the market units in terms of compensation and career growth ?

like

Hi Optum fishes. When does Optum send laptop if joining date is on 25th Jul? Also, how is joining process for 6yoe folks in Optum,

like

Can anyone please refer me in Barclays?

like

How much % hike can we expect in CitiusTech appraisal???

like

Hi! Have any here gone the natural cycle IVF route? What was your experience like? Did you have success in growing your family this way? Would you recommend it to others?

like

Hello Everyone
I have an offer from pwc for a senior associate role for 6 yoe 22Lpa, I have another offer of 25Lpa.

any suggestions pwc revise offer or match the ctc of another company.

like

Anyway to slim down legs; just want to smooth out this massive imbalance that the body seems to favor to the downside

like

I'm really starting to like telehealth. Thoughts?

like

Hi Everyone,

I am working with a startup as a Business Development Manager and currently based in Delhi.

I am looking forward to make a transition from the Sales/BD role to Product Management roles. Also doing a certification from Institute of Product Leadership for a smooth transition. Can anyone help me with this.

YOE in sales& BD ~ 6 years

like

Hi. This is Venkatesha here. I am looking for projects. We provide website design solutions on WordPress, Hoopla, Drupal and other CMS platforms. We ask do website optimization, SEO, SEM, marketing automation and all types of open source software deployment and international.

like

Starting at EYP next week, got a question about independence since recruiter and external site isn’t helpful at all.

There seem to be different categories of restricted securities. Do I divest them all or only the ones falling in specific categories ?? Thanks

Post Photo
like

Thinking of pivoting from insurance defense to something more meaningful and (dare I say it) with more work life balance. Currently in my 7th year of practice and am just tired of ID. Anyone make the transition? Any advice?

like

Hypothetical: hiring for a Lead Product Designer position to own direction of a data heavy saas app, would you hire someone that pivoted into UX from marketing and graduated HCI masters recently or someone who had a web designer/dev freelance & UX consulting background?

Just based on those two points.

Can you share what are some questions you're having rn that would affect the decision?

like

I’m mid 30s F. Recently started seeing this guy, where he is “good enough”. Good conversations, decent time together, he has a good heart, but nothing about him shines. - not fit (I work out everyday and play sports), meh social skills (he doesn’t have best friends, just few he hangs out with), bit less energy than me.
There is a feeling in me that says “he’s going to be a comfortable life partner” and “he is just good enough, but if I break up I won’t find someone for a long time”
Do I stay?

like

Any PR professionals here up for a quick chat?

like

Additional Posts in Working Parents in Law

Trying to be really understanding about coworkers with no children feeling stressed during the holiday season, but it's hard not to ask if they'd prefer to go home to my sick kid, frustrated spouse and dirty house instead of their empty apartment where they have a flat screen TV and a beer waiting. How do you keep sane?

like

What's the hardest part of being a working parent in law? My wife and I are considering trying to get pregnant.

like

What are we supposed to do with our kids during Winter break when school is closed for TWO WEEKS and we need to hit our billables?

like

How do you deal with the stress of knowing that other people on your team are working weekends and you aren’t? I’m a mom with two kids so working in weekends is tough for me. Cont. in comments:

like

I work as of counsel at a small firm directly with 1 other attorney. I have worked w/ the other attorney for the last 10 years. How much paid maternity leave is reasonable to request?

My wife often calls me by 5:45/6 to ask where I am if I’m not headed home yet. Sometimes she’s stressed with kids/dogs/dinner and really wants me home. This really throws off my concentration because it makes me feel rushed. Like many practices sometimes I’m out at 5:30, other times it’s much later. Just depends and is unpredictable. Any advice on how to approach this?

like

Biglaw parents, where do you choose to live and why? Somewhere close to work to avoid commute and spend more time with kids? Suburbs?

like

Fourth-year associate. I will soon be commuting to Midtown Manhattan to a firm that pays market. From a financial perspective, am I completely nuts to be driving in and parking? Between tolls and parking, it’s going to be close to $10K a year as opposed to the bus/train being between $2500-$3000 a year. Thing is, bus/rail is pretty reliable in the morning (in terms of availability of options), but if I’m working late service gets dodgy and I like the freedom of having my own vehicle (cont.)

like

I just wanted to take a quick moment to say that you are all doing a great job with this ridiculous, unprecedented juggling act of trying to be a parent, teacher, lawyer and human. Hang in there!

likeuplifting

Brand new (like, just-had-a-kid new) mom here. Life seems manageable with the baby sleeping much of the time. It gets worse from here doesn’t it? I’m scared 😱😱😱

like

Some people mentioned au pairs... tell me more! Why did you like/not like it, if you did the au pair thing?

like

Do you pay out of pocket on insurance premiums at your firm? My wife may leave her job to stay home and we’re on her insurance. My firm told me we’re $750/pay period or $18k/yr. that sounds absurd.

likehelpful

Today is my first day back at work (and first full day back in my physical office) after a few weeks off for parental leave. Needless to say, I am struggling to stay focused on anything other than wanting to go back home to my spouse and child.

I know I shouldn't take an emotional temperature on day one, but it has been more difficult being back than I anticipated. Any tips for navigating the waters for the first day/week/month back?

like

Anyone else juggling having kids at home during the winter break and trying to work from home around your SO (who is also working from home). The holidays are always SO hectic at my place and I'm feeling like a failure, my mother was a perfect housewife and I'm far from it lol. Other parents struggling with this?

like

Last night my 9yo said, “wow mom, Idina Menzel is 48 but she looks way younger than you!” (I am 38.) Then I put makeup on this morning and she said, “well, you look nice but you still look worn out...

likefunny

How many married professionals with young families are just sticking it out “for the kids”? Marriage is very dead and has been for a while. Young kids 4 and 1. My wife and I don’t fight, but share 0 interests outside of the kids and can’t stand to be around each other. I’m so ready to leave… I just can’t bear the thought of doing it to my children even though another part of me feels like wife and I would both be better parents if our lives were separate. Anyone else done a similar analysis?

like

NDAs for Nannies? I was wondering how everyone who is doing some work from home during covid handles in-house caregivers? Obviously we all take all steps to protect confidential information and realistically a caregiver isn't going to be exposed to anything we do, but does anyone require an NDA just to be on the safe side? (I dont have an in home caregiver yet, but just thinking about it.)

like

For parents with school-age kiddos (kindergarten up), what do you do for childcare? Thinking about giving up our nanny, but worried about juggling days off, sick days, and summer break.

like

Curious to know what the norm is — does your firm prorate your bonus for time that you are out on paid parental leave?

like

If you could go back and start over would you still choose this path? Or would you choose a different career and/or a different time to have children? I accidentally became a working parent in law so while I love my job and my children I don't think I would have planned it quite like this.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal