Dude, first of all, that SUCKS!  I have been a SAHD for two years but it is because I want to and we made the decision together.  As you probably know, any relationship that is one sided will have a tough time.  I am a SAHD of Triplets and I try to make it look like everything is easy.  Which, I think it is compared to my previous roles in Management:)  But it is not for everyone.  I am VERY competitive so I want to make it look like I do anything I do easy and that I do it better than anyone else.

Maybe start by sucking it up and doing everything for a week or two, you know, the love-dare crap:)  Then try sitting down with the Mrs. and talking with her about what expectations she has from you, her the kid(s) etc...  and go from there.  Sometimes some frank discussions like "I love you and I don't want this to end up tearing us apart" help.  I am blessed to have a wife that is well aware of her short comings and is very appreciative of what I do.   That being said I clean the house, cook the meals, do the yard, bathe the kids, put gas in her car, pay the bills, etc...  She has little she has to do but she appreciates what I do.

You are in my prayers,

Al

I am fortunate that my wife is still actively involved in the house in the evenings and generally puts the kids to bed at night.  You have to find a reasonable way to talk this out with your spouse whether just having a sit down or seeing a counselor.  While our primary functions as a sahd are to be the caretaker, marriage and parenting is about working together.

I was fortunate enough that I choose to be a sahd, it is what my wife and I wanted for our home and children.  We all deal with the "housewife" jokes and while they can suck, I tend to just go along with it and play up the joke.

It is hard working during the day and then having the energy at night to be there for your kids but kids need interactions from both parents!  Don't get yourself stuck in a rut, talk it out and compromise on a solution.

I've never heard anyone put it like that. "Retired early to take care of the kids".  I really like the way you made it easier for the average person to understand and respect the situation.

Proud to be a SAHD of an Autistic Child

On to your friends that joke you about the housewife stuff.  Take your kid on really cool adventures.  Go to the pool, the zoo, the science center, etc...  I know sitting at a desk all day turning pale and plump is really cool an all (sarcasm) but show them up by getting a tan and getting all buff (read it in a Cartman voice).  I am also in the best shape ever as I don't stop moving much.  I have NEVER had a tan and now I do.  Yes it is hard work but it can be also be really fun.  Of course going to the pool, zoo, etc... takes a lot of more work than staying at home but your friends won't know that:)  Heck, I also take a nap every day with the kids!  Sometimes to rub it in I call my friends at work and tell them how "hard" my day is at the pool:)  lol

Keep the faith,

Al