Sorry to crash. Are there any Stay At Home Dads?

Just wondering if there are any SAHDs!

We have been TTC for the past 11 months and hopefully will get that BFP soon! Of course we have been discussing what will happen once we have the baby.

Right now, I am one providing for our family. DH was not able to find a steady job, and has been bringing in money - but nothing constant and nothing that we could depend on to pay our rent or most of our monthly bills. His income primarily goes toward repaying student loans.

DH has said that - since it's really the only thing that would work - he would be a SAHD, but seems to think that there really isn't anyone else doing this. I would LOVE to be a SAHM, but that just unfortunately isn't in the cards for us financially.

So, are there any SAHDs here?
What is a typical day like for you?
Do you take your DC to various activities? Are you welcomed at things like Mommy-and-Me type classes or playgroups?

Thank you so much for any advice and information you can give us!

Re: Sorry to crash. Are there any Stay At Home Dads?

My husband is a SAHD for the last month or so. He is a Union electrician and there is currently NO WORK to be found.

The boys LOVE being home with him. He gets up about a half hour before I leave in the morning.

Most days I make them breakfast and then they have 'relaxation time' - where they watch tv or play video games. Then they do their morning chores - feeding the dog, cleaning up around the house, cutting the lawn, trimming hedges, fixing little things. Then it's lunch time. After lunch they have quiet time - reading stories or one of their magazines, doing puzzles or doing pages in their workbooks. Then they nap. YES - they ALL nap. And they nap for a while. After nap they have snack and Rob will usually take them out of the house for a while - park, playground, bike ride, library, store, etc.. Then they work out with Rob and play until I get home. Wednesday is different because the housekeeper comes - so they usually do their 'big trip' on Wednesday. They go out for breakfast and then go to the beach or the game farm or whatnot. Rob is A LOT more structured than I am and I am happy because everything is consistant and they have a nice routine. When I am home we kind of just wing it.

When school starts in September, I am sure the whole schedule will change - but knowing Rob there will still be a hella lot of structure!

I actually was a little frustrated when this journey started - but it's been great. The kids have always loved their dad and vice versa - but the relationship has taken on new depth on both sides. And it has had a positive impact on our relationship because I appreciate him more and it is evident to him so he reciprocates.

Re: Sorry to crash. Are there any Stay At Home Dads?

I'm not a SAHD, but I do have every other Friday off, and I was out on medical leave for a few weeks, so I can answer about the playgyms/Gymboree/library activities, etc.

Men are more than welcomed at all of these events. It's also not unusual to see more than one father at some of these things. I think many of the moms think it's great that dad is so involved with DC.

Re: Sorry to crash. Are there any Stay At Home Dads?

My DH watches DD during the day & works PT evenings so I guess he would be considered a SAHD.

Typically, he follows DD routine. I leave the house by 7:30 and they are both up. I give DD her morning milk & DH feeds her breakfast right after I leave for work. After her breakfast, they are outside playing by about 9:00. They play in the yard, go for a walk, go for a bike ride, hit the park or attend one of her classes. We haven't signed up for anything for the fall yet but she just finished her sessions of My Gym and Music Together. DH also takes her to the free Library program weekly. He'll take her to the mall to play at their little indoor gym if it's rainy or the bitter winter.

My DH does make comments that sometimes he is the only dad---not that it bothers him b/c it certainly doesn't but it's just part of his rundown to me daily when I get home from work. He does feel welcomed at all of the activities he takes DD to. And I should say that at My Gym, sometimes there are some other dads & they are wonderful.

My DH absolutely loves every minute of being a SAHD. During the summer, I am home b/c I am a teacher so he works full days then & he says he misses being a SAHD during those months. It's very sweet!!! No to mention, DD & DH have a bond that is just incredible!

Message edited 7/30/2008 2:14:21 PM.

Re: Sorry to crash. Are there any Stay At Home Dads?

DH was a SAHD before I put DD in daycare. He never took her to classes because he said he would feel funny He sometimes ran errands with her, grocery store, etc. As I started working from home more, she didn't want to be with him, only with me, which made working tough and that is when she started daycare!