10 Ways a Dad Can Fulfill a Stay-at-Home Mom’s Expectations

Being a stay-at-home mom is a full-time job that can be both rewarding and challenging. As a dad, it is important to recognize the hard work and dedication your wife puts in every day to raise your children and manage your household. 

However, stay-at-home mom’s resentment toward husband is not uncommon, which can be due to unmet expectations and lack of support. 

For stay-at-home moms vs stay at home dads, some are of the opinion that the former perform better when it comes to managing home and family compared to the latter. A stay-at-home mom’s expectations from working dad is support.

 In this article, we will discuss 10 steps dads can take to support their wives as stay-at-home moms and maintain a healthy marriage.

Should a husband help his wife as a stay-at-home mom?

Yes, a husband should help a stay-at-home mom. Being a stay-at-home mom can be a full-time job that requires a lot of time and energy. 

While the stay-at-home mom is responsible for taking care of the children and the home, the stay-at-home mom’s expectations from working dad are to help with household chores and provide emotional support.

Therefore, husbands should be willing to provide emotional and physical support along with the care their wives deserve. Communication is key, and open and honest discussions can help ensure that both parties are on the same page and working towards common goals.

10 steps for dads to help support their wives as stay-at-home moms

Before we begin to understand in what ways a working dad can support his stay-home-wife, watch this video to fuel the debate on how much fair housework sharing is:

Now that you know dads should help their wives who are stay-at-home moms, the question is how much should a husband help a stay-at-home mom? Here are 10 steps for dads to fulfill the stay-at-home mom’s expectations from working dad:

1. Recognize the challenges of being a stay-at-home mom

The stay-at-home mom’s expectations from working dad are quite basic and logical. She wants you to know her struggle.

The first step to supporting your wife as a stay-at-home mom is to recognize the challenges she faces. Being a stay-at-home mom can be exhausting and isolating, especially when your wife feels like she is doing it all alone. This can lead to the stay-at-home mom being unhappy in marriage.

2. Set realistic expectations

It is important to set realistic expectations for a stay-at-home mom. While it may be tempting to expect a perfectly clean house and well-behaved children, set realistic expectations that take into account the realities of being a stay-at-home mom.

3. Communicate openly

Communication is key in any relationship, and it is especially important when one partner is a stay-at-home mom with hardly any time to communicate. No doubt why it is one of the stay-at-home mom’s expectations from working dad.

Make an effort to communicate openly and honestly with your wife about your expectations, needs, and concerns. Listen and show empathy towards her struggles and encourage your wife to communicate her feelings and needs as well.

4. Share responsibilities

Understand that it’s not a stay-at-home mom vs working dad debate. You are partners and should act like equals.

It is important for husbands to recognize that being a stay-at-home mom does not mean that their wives are responsible for everything related to the household and children. 

Stay-at-home mom and working dad responsibilities include cooking, cleaning, and childcare to help ease the burden on your wife and do your bit to fulfill stay-at-home mom’s expectations from working dad.

5. Support your wife’s goals

Being a stay-at-home mom does not mean that your wife’s goals and aspirations have to be put on hold. Encourage your wife to pursue her interests and goals, whether it’s taking a class, starting a side business, or volunteering in the community. 

6. Show appreciation

Before you fully understand a stay-at-home mom’s expectations from working dad, show her that she’s valued.

Show her that you value her contributions to the family and that you recognize the sacrifices she makes to care for your children and home. It is important to show your wife that you appreciate all the hard work she puts in as a stay-at-home mom, no matter how small. 

7. Make time for each other

Maintaining a healthy and happy marriage requires making time for each other. It can be difficult for stay-at-home moms to find time for themselves, but it is important for both partners to have time to recharge, connect, and spend time together.

8. Be flexible

Being a stay-at-home mom can be unpredictable, and it is important for husbands to be flexible and understanding when unexpected situations arise. Be willing to adjust your schedule or take on additional responsibilities when necessary to support your wife.

9. Be supportive and understanding

Above all, it is important to be supportive and understanding of your wife as a stay-at-home mom. Recognize that being a stay-at-home mom can be challenging and sometimes thankless work. Show your wife that you appreciate all that she does to care for your family. 

10. Seek professional help

If your wife is struggling with resentment or other negative feelings towards you or your marriage, it may be time to seek professional help. 

A therapist or counselor can help both of you work through any issue and improve communication and understanding within your marriage to prevent them from causing further damage to your relationship.

Some common questions

It’s not always easy for husbands to know what they can do to help. In this section, we’ll explore some questions about how husbands can support their wives as stay-at-home moms.

• Do men respect stay-at-home moms?

Men view stay-at-home moms differently. Many men do respect and appreciate the sacrifices and hard work that stay-at-home moms put in, and recognize the important role they play in raising and nurturing their children. 

On the contrary, there may also be some men who don’t fully understand or appreciate the work that stay-at-home moms do.

• What are the expectations of a stay-at-home dad?

Talking about stay-at-home mom vs stay-at-home dad, the expectations and situations are largely the same. 

A stay-at-home dad is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for their children, as well as managing the day-to-day tasks of running a household.

Being there for your wife and children

Being a stay-at-home mom is not an easy job. Stay-at-home mom’s expectations from working dad are to recognize and support her hard work and dedication. 

By setting realistic expectations for a stay-at-home mom, communicating openly, sharing responsibilities, and showing appreciation, a stay-at-home mom’s resentment toward husband can be alleviated.

By taking these steps, dads can help support their wives as stay-at-home moms and maintain a happy and healthy marriage. To learn more about how to support your wife as a stay-at-home mom, try seeking marriage advice.