Making it Work - the SAHD Way

"Back when you had a “real” job ... "
"What did you do all day?"
"There’s a knitting class at the community center. Shall I sign you up?"
"Did you get lost today?"
"I’m home! Can you fetch my slippers and the newspaper?"
"Where’s dinner?"
"Did you cook this? How much did it cost? What is it? Is it good?"
"Did you remember to _______ (Substitute anything you like here. It will all be equally irritating to a SAHD.)"
"Is the laundry neatly folded and put away?"
"I always use bleach. How come you didn’t use bleach?"
"Ahhh ... there’s nothing like the smell of a fresh paycheck!"

I've found through living with a SAHD for a decade that the trick to long-term success is maintaining a keen focus on what's most at stake - our children. Therefore, it's important to pick your battles wisely.

• Does it really matter whether he stores the yogurts on the first shelf instead of the second?
• Will you fall apart if he adds the laundry detergent before adding the clothes to the washer?
• Can you handle his approach to discipline?
• Can you give up some control during the day when you're at work and he's with your children?
• Can you keep your eyes on the prize - the well-being of your little ones?

When you stop to think about it, these are difficult questions. And the answers are not simply black and white. Making the switch to a SAHD family is not easy, but for many families, mine included, it's worth it in the end. If you're considering transitioning to a SAHD family or want to explore what it's like, check out my Web site at ParenTeam.com, or email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .