For stay-home moms, how do you divide your chores between you and your husband?

Question

I am a stay at home mom of a 14 month old. I'm interested to know what other moms expect of their husbands in terms of chores, after the husband is back from work. Is he expected to do certain house chores, or nothing at all?

I think both the husband and the stay home mom both go to a full time job, just the location is different. So, the evening chores should ideally be divided equally. What do you think?

Answer 1

I agree with you 100 percent. When I had my first baby, I always felt overwhelmed, and took it out on everyone. I felt my husband was not doing enough once he got back from work. Of course he was tired too, but that was very hard for me to understand. He always told me "just ask, and I'll do it" but I just wanted him to stand up and help out without me asking. Help with what? Well for me, honestly, just being around me in the kitchen (instead of the remote control) was usually enough because it made me feel like he was being sympathetic. That was 5-6 years ago. Now, it's different. I guess I have learned a thing or 2. I don't expect him to cook because he's just a bad cook, but when he's around, he does the big vacuum chore which involves basically washing the white carpets, he does all the manly chores while I stick to the kitchen, and guess what, we are still as madly in love as ever because we understand each other more.

One more tip, make sure dinner's always ready before he's home so you don't start feeling like a housemaid while he's busy flipping through the channels.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Haha!  Honey you go for it!  I have been a stay at home mom and a working mom of 4 kids!  My husband doesn't do anything even though I work full time and make very good income.  I do everything you do and work 45-50 hours a week.  I would give anything if my husband would help.  Problem is he isn't the father of my children so my only option is divorce and believe you me, I have thought about it.  So my point in telling you my story is you make a list of whatever feels right to you and your husband.  You know what you need from him right now.  He may only do half of what is on that list but that is certainly better than nothing.  Good luck and I'm glad you are laying the law down now early in your relationship.