Being A Stay At Home Dad

Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of a "Stay At Home Mom" would be like? As a stay at home dad for 6 years of my life I have learned how difficult a day with the children can be. This is a task that is not as simple as it sounds. Most men can't fathom the struggles of being home all day with a child/children. Here are some tips and descriptions of a day in life of a stay at home dad. The challenges are similar in some ways but the struggles are different.

The morning starts pretty early as you watch your wife get ready for work. Here's the reality of things; you are already at work and your day starts as soon as your child is awake. Breakfast is normally very calm due to a well rested child and a well rested you. As the morning progresses the challenges begin. You try to juggle the entertainment of your child and the honey-do list that is staring you right in the face. This list is long and seems quite overwhelming. So what do you do? Well, as men we try to be superman and do everything we can to take on everything at once. I think sometimes we are one track minded people trying to multi-task. Don't rush the morning so that your afternoon is free or you will be napping with your child. Use your time sparingly. The morning should be a time for learning and interaction. Here's another tip; depending on the age of the child. Include him/her in the household chores. This is a great time to teach your child to pick up after themselves and become more independent. This is only the beginning of your challenges as a Home Maker.

Now you have to deal with the mental portion of your job. Being home all day with your child surrounded by the four walls you live in is never easy. You tend to feel closed in and without adult interaction you become disturbed. Your mentality is crucial when trying to maintain your focus on all the challenges you face. You lose yourself within the smoke that clouds your mind. You yearn for more and feel like less of a man. When you do get a little adult interaction by allowing your child to interact with a neighboring friend. That interaction is usually another woman performing the same job as you. With that said, there is a very uncomfortable yet innocent feeling that surrounds you. You find yourself using your fellow neighbor as the highlight of your adulthood. Although this is innocent, you can't help, but wonder how this may look to your spouse or their spouse. There is no simple solution to this situation. The only advise I can give is to plan a play date at your house or their house, where you allow yourself to be distanced from the uncomfortable situation.

The last piece of advise I can give you is; do not allow your wife to set the expectations of your day to high. You must organize the chore list. Separate each task and allow yourself to ample time to do each chore to the best of your ability. The day's are long and the hours are endless. Also make sure that you take your child to do outside activities. This will allow them to use up some of that unbelievable energy and take you out of that hermit state-of-mind. I hope that each and everyone of you understand and sympathize with me about the difficulties we face in the world of being home all day. This is not a walk in the park and I challenge any man to try and do what women have been doing since the beginning of time. I envy women for maintaining their womanly values for so long. So men kiss your wife and tell her she is amazing for all she does. You may be the financial structure of your household, but she is the glue that holds it all together and makes it all worth while.