Just what do Stay at Home Dads do?

I had to chuckle the other day during a conversation with a SAHM (Stay at Home Mom).  I mentioned that I was a SAHD and she said "so you can sympathize with what stay at home moms do."  I just said "yes mam" but I wanted to say "uh, I do a bit more than just sympathize."  I am not even sure that sympathize is the right word.  Empathize may be better but is still depends on what I am empathizing/sympathizing with.  

The one thing that is inexcusable is for the spouse of a SAHM or SAHD to take for granted all the stuff (crap) that gets done on a day to day, hour to hour, minute to minute basis to keep the family moving forward.  Not to mention actually caring for and training their child/children.  I am truly blessed to have a Wife (the CFO) that is supportive, empathetic, appreciative, and forgiving.  I joking tell the CFO that I sometimes let things slide to remind her of all the stuff I do:)  I know that many stay at home parents are not so lucky.  My heart/prayers go out to them and I offer a free reality check for their spouses:)

Let's look at the responsibilities a Stay at Home Dad/Mom might have around the house....

• Grocery shopping
• Cooking
• Laundry
• Cleaning
• Paying the bills
• Shopping
• Yardwork
• Maintenance

Doesn't sound like much huh?  Keep in mind that I am not even including the roles many stay at home parents have like: volunteering, PTA, sports, helping with homework, etc...  I am going to start a short series of blog posts looking at at each one of these "around the house" responsibilities in a bit more detail.


Honesty may be the best policy, but it's important to remember that apparently, by elimination, dishonesty is the second-best policy.
George Carlin


Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all.
Sam Ewing 

Al