Does anyone else have a stay-at-home husband?

Mine visits a forum where he's constantly ridiculed for being a stay-at-home husband.  It's okay for a wife to stay home all day, clean house, take care of kids, do whatever she pleases, but oh lord, if you've got a penis it's a horrible thing.

I don't get it.  Why is it okay for a woman to be at home but not for a man?  Am I the only one who feels it's perfectly fine and actually encourages her husband to not get a job so he can stay at home?

My life's ambition is to be a stay at home dad...

I think if it works for your family, it's a wonderful thing.  Men are more capable of being excellent care givers for house and children than most people think.

My hubby used to be a part time stay at home dad, but recently got a full time job because of the not so good predictions of how his independent contract work would go, and our projected expenses for the coming year.  He just started, so it really hasn't been a huge adjustment yet.

However, when he was there most of the time, we both loved the situation, and so did our boys.  And yes, we've experienced the stigma against dads, particularly with the school system.  Anything goes wrong with the kids (sick, behavior problem) - do they call the fully available Dad at home, taking care of chores/errands and preparing for taking care of the kiddies when they get home...NO...they have to call the Mommy at work.  They ask for volunteers for "The Mom's Club" at school - is there a "Dad's Club"?  No.  Oh, but I recall the school orientation where the chairwoman said "Oh, Dads are welcome too by the way" with sarcasm in her voice.

I've also come across people who had "religious" objections to the woman being the main wage earner - they even cited scripture.  They don't target me directly, but have said stuff "Well, me and my husband couldn't be comfortable with that."  I just "Well, whatever works for you..."

Original Post by santonacci:

 

I've also come across people who had "religious" objections to the woman being the main wage earner - they even cited scripture.  They don't target me directly, but have said stuff "Well, me and my husband couldn't be comfortable with that."  I just "Well, whatever works for you..."

 That's just ridiculous.

My husband is looking forward to the day when I make enough money for him to be a stay-at-home husband/dad.  When that day comes, we might have mac and cheese every night for dinner, but I think it would be worth it.

I also think if both people are able to work, they should...but whatever, as long as he's still pulling his weight I guess? I don't think I would be ok with my bf/husband staying home, unless it was to look after kids.

I am sooo jealous.  Mine did have the fireplace lit when I came home from work.  He gets home before I do.  When my father married my step mother, he was a stay at home dad.  My younger brother got 4 solid years before my dad passed away and I think it was fantastic. 

I think those with "religious" objections probalby still abide by the "don't beat your wife with anything larger than thy thumb" rule as well. 

My husband currently stays home, we don't have kids. Most the grief we get from people are from people that come from traditional lifestyles , like our parents--who are used to women doing everything. My husband actually like to work but is just taking some time off, I couldn't stay at home either---drives me batty--I have to have something to do!

I see no problem with it. However people want to arrange their marriages is their own business. Personally I wouldn't want to be a stay-at-home and have to rely on someone else's finances, it would make me nervous. But some women AND men choose to.

There are several things to consider. 1. It may not be that advantageuos to have two incomes in the family if it raises your tax rate and doubles your expenses. It might be better to live more simply. If you can give up a second car and all the related expenses, and meals away from home, and additional clothing etc. 2. It's not that hard to find ways to make money from home now. 3 We're constantly bombarded with the concept that jobs are what makes the world go around, jobs are what make A merica function. This is the mantra that gets presidents elected, the one who promises the most jobs gets the most votes. There might be some truth to that, we all need to feel that we are contributing and that we have a purpose, but work may leave us unfulfilled here as well.  As for me , I'm voting for the first one who promises to make it possible for more of us to stay home and make money off the markets.

My husband and I don't have kids yet...but we've spoken about things like this, and he would be fine if I made more money than him and he left his job to be a stay-at-home.  As it is right now, we don't have kids.  So we see no reason for one of us to stay at home right now because there wouldn't be much for the person to do except maybe a load of laundry here and there.

Bottom line is every family is different.  What works for some might not work for others.  You just have to choose what is right for you and go for it.

Hey if you like it I love it.

Me personally I couldn't see me or my hubby staying home and not having any children, once babies start comin it's a whole different ball game.

I dont want kids, but I'm totally down for a stay at home husband.  Why not?  As long as we are financially stable, it doesnt really matter.  Plus, I would love to come home to a warm meal and the man that loves me ready to hear all about my day...my crock pot isn't very talkative.

I have a stay-at-home husband and father.  I work full time, come home, take care of the baby, cook whatever my husband wants, clean, do laundry, go grocery shopping and pay almost all the bills.  My husband happens to receive unemployment income so it's nice that our baby is not in daycare.  However, I am frustrated for doing so much and he is now getting sick of being stuck at home all day.  We just barely are able to pay our bills and live very modestly.  My job is hourly with no benefits, so we have state insurance.  Since there aren't any jobs out there, he may extend his unemployment but is getting sick of being "in prison" and doesn't want to show me any affection for fear of having more children.  Another problem is that I'm the only one with a car.  But I suggested that he work part-time at night.  If I find a job that pays more and we're living better, he may be happier to be at home.  I wouldn't mind him being at home if he was appreciative of me.  I tell him that I and our son appreciate him and that he is doing an important job and at least he's getting paid (with the unemployment income)!

A stay at home husband, it sounds very convenient, like a TV Dinner. hehe..

It sounds like hell.

My husband is a teacher so he's a stay-at-home husband for a few months a year.  It's not really the same, I suppose, since he's getting paid but...

I love it.  If he could stay home full time, I would be thrilled. 

Original Post by mommynwife:

doesn't want to show me any affection for fear of having more children. 

 A box of condoms might solve this problem.