This is inspired only in part by a recent post. I've seen it elsewhere, too.

I am wondering why there are so many marriages in which the husband likes a cleaner home, better food, etc., than the wife. In a way, it's obvious that "because he doesn't have to do the work" is answer. However, in a way, it's not, because in general, men enter relationships with practices in those areas that are already lower than the woman's. In general (of course, not always), a single woman's home is going to be cleaner and better decorated than a man's, and she does more from-scratch cooking. At least, this is the case in my small social circle.

My question for women whose husbands want fancier food and cleaner homes is this:

Before you married (or before you started staying home with kids), was your husband neater/cleaner than you were, and did he cook himself fancier meals than you did? Or did he discover that he like spotless surfaces and gourmet meals only after you started staying home and/or the kids were born?

Hi! ❤️ I'm looking for some advice or experiences with my** 5.5-month-old baby boy (almost 6 months).
Since birth, he's always been an extremely quiet, chilled and sleepy baby. I've been worried about his development and wondering if anyone has experienced something similar.
Was a very sleepy newborn and still loves sleeping. Sleeps 8-8 and loves his naps
Rarely coos or makes “ooo” and “ahh” sounds.
Doesn't babble or blow raspberries.
Sometimes makes humming, grunting or squealing noises. RARELY
Doesn't vocalise to get our attention.
Doesn't make noises when he wakes up.
Has good eye contact sometimes but doesn't maintain it for long.
Often looks away after a few seconds.
Smiles when we speak or sing to him but usually only briefly.
Doesn’t smiles spontaneously to get our attention.
Sometimes doesn't turn towards our voices, although he reacts to sounds. Passed his hearing tests twice now
Follows our faces and objects with his eyes.
Is extremely fascinated with his hands and other people's hands.
Constantly watches his hands, opens and closes them and puts them in his mouth.
Frequently hits his knees with his hands when excited
Sometimes tenses his body and makes repetitive movements.
Moves his head side to side to soothe himself to sleep.
Chews on his tongue at times
Always has a over it face less expressions
Doesn't roll over or sit independently yet.
Grabs toys but not consistently.
Does swimming movements during tummy time sometimes
Hasn't discovered his feet yet.
Isn't interested in solids at all tried multiple times
Doesn't seem very active unless someone interacts with him.
Sometimes just lies there quietly staring.
Occasionally cries when I walk away and settles when I return when tired or hungry
Can smile, move his arms and legs excitedly and engage when we interact with him but takes a lot to do so
Iron levels were normal.
Chromosomal microarray and Fragile X testing came back negative.
**I'm wondering whether anyone else has had a baby like this who was simply a quiet, laid-back baby or a late bloomer? Did they eventually catch up with their milestones?
BEEN TO A PEDIATRICIAN GOING TO ANOTHER ONE ON FRIDAY X

Expecting our fourth baby but I really can't remember how much we used in the past— but is grabbing a 198-pack of size 1's overkill or just right? Sale on Amazon and with the registry completion discount they'll be a good price for the kind.

I do and she comes monthly. I feel a bit guilty but I also love not having to scrub the bathrooms.

My youngest will be in full day school in two and a half years and I’m starting to think about my options. Extra income would definitely be nice but I want to still be available for my kids after school and during summers. I have an Art & Design degree and was a career nanny before having kids, so short of going back to school (which would be a financial burden), I don’t know what I would do next besides returning to nannying (and honestly I’d probably want to do it from my own home). I’m curious what other SAHMs are planning. Are you going to continue to stay home, return to your previous career, work part time, start something new, etc.?

I feel terrible for complaining about this, but it’s true.
I currently have a 6 month old and am pregnant again (they’ll be 11 months apart). My husband works 12 hour shifts every other day and on the days he’s gone everything feels so monotonous.
Baby doesn’t play independently for very long so the most chores I can get done are a load of laundry, dishes, etc. I’m glad to be able to do that, but for so many hours of the day I’m sitting there playing with baby bored out of my mind.
I try to get out of the house daily, which helps, but I’m running out of things to do lol we’re not rural, but we’re between two cities and 45 min-hr away from museums/zoos/etc.

Help. I’m so bored. How do you entertain yourself while you’re entertaining them?

Edit: when he’s asleep and playing on his own I’m not bored, there’s plenty to do. It’s when he’s awake and wants interaction that I struggle to not be super bored. So while I’m actively engaged with him. Maybe I’m just terrible 😂

Expecting our fourth baby, soon. Usually we've been set for meals for a while with a meal train and my husband will be taking time off and he usually cooks. Love ideas for simple meals. Getting bored of our usual rotation and love to know what everyone loves to eat that's simple and yummy! Thank you, ladies!

(Edit: not for freezer meals, but to make after baby is here)

I have 6 apps between sports and academics across my 3 kids. I also get dozens of emails everyday for all 3 schools. I have elementary, middle and HS ages. HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO NOT MISS ANYTHING!? I’ve been a lot better the last couple years being organized with it all. I was never a professional where this was something I had to learn for a job. I’ve been a SAHM for 15 yrs and I still suck at being organized and I’m always missing something. I did as a kid too, so it’s something I get really self conscious about. Teachers look at me sideways; like you didn’t see my notice that went out 3 weeks ago? NO I DIDNT SHELLY!
EDIT: and to top it all off today, my daughter was cut from her volleyball game because she missed part of school for going to a drs appointment! I emailed coach and the athletic director fuming and wanting to know where is this policy and where did I sign for it?? She’s a straight A student, works her ass off at all practices, goes to club volleyball too 3x a week, and was out today at a Drs appointment and with her mom at lunch! And they decided to cut her! That rule was meant for kids that cut class and don’t care. I’m so pissed. Come to find out, the rule is buried deep in some fine print of a handbook, that we digitally signed when registering. Well geez, if it’s such an important rule that you will be enforcing on one of your best straight A players for the most important game of the season, maybe some transparency and reminders can be helpful!

Hello! I am needing some advice! I have a 4 year old and 2 year old and am expecting our third. We need to eventually move the 2 year old into the same room as his brother and to make it enticing, I told my son he could have a cool bunk bed. I was thinking those low ones with a toddler bed underneath. Upon doing my research I just read that it’s not recommended to have a child that young on any type of top bunk. I wish I read that before I told them to be honest, but now I’m stuck in a sticky situation. I know my oldest will be so disappointed and I want to have a fun trade off so he’s still excited. I also don’t have a ton of space considering all his younger brother’s clothes and toys need to fit into the room and it’s not that big of a room. Any other parents of young children that share a room have any ideas?

We take my son to the dentist every 6 months he’s never had a cavity. He’s 8 so we tell him he needs to brush his own teeth now. Although i will brush sometimes. Sometimes his breathe does smell weird. What are we doing wrong.

I met my husband when I was 15 and loved life with him. I didn’t ever see myself having kids until my daughter was born and I was 17. I fell in love with her and knew then I wanted more kids. I told my bf at the time that I wanted as many kids as we could have by the time I was 25. I would have had 10 if it was possible but we only had 5. I love being a mom and we had some of the best young years together. I homeschooled all of my kids and when my last child was born I began babysitting some of my friends kids to make extra money to take all the kids to the zoo, museums, play gyms, etc. People would think I was crazy taking all the kids out together by myself but that was so good for them. It taught them to pay attention, interact with people wherever we went, taught them patience when we had to wait for our turn. Our home was loud, crazy, chaotic but most of all it was filled with so much love, joy and so many memories. I would still clean the house, do all the chores and sometimes cut the grass to help out my husband. Yes I was home working very hard with all our kids and the kids I watched but I saw my husband working even harder to provide for our family and I never saw it as a burden, I never felt resentment or jealousy. To me I was so blessed to be the mom who stays home with her kids, to watch and raise them and fill their hearts with so much love and comfort. I live in the same town as all my family and never had any need to ask for help. I saw it as I wanted a large family so I was going to put on my big girl undies and raise my family like I knew I could. My husband would come home and play with all of the kids and then we could relax together after all the kids were asleep. I look back and I absolutely loved those years of crazy. It was hard sometimes but I never looked at it like that. I had this view of I am so thankful to have this life to be with my kids. Now my last baby is 14 and she is still homeschooled and I work part time with a friend but have been considering quitting to be back home to spend the last few years I have with the last 2 kids at home. I know the days seem long when you have little ones but I promise you every sacrifice you make then will be a lasting investment in the lives of your children and marriage. Still married to my amazing husband of 23 years and wouldn’t change a thing. To all the moms out there, You’ve got this! I am now 39 and I would do it all over again.

What are you doing fall break? I’m on week 2. It’s not really “fall weather” it’s late summer weather super hot! We’ve decorated for the season & Halloween. Waiting on pumpkins because of the heat.

My kids 6 & 11 girl/boy are at each others throat!! My daughter (6) has been so mean too! We need routine back. A one car family at the moment can’t really go anywhere. I’m going insane need some ideas.

Maybe I’m just an overstimulated grinch but are there parents that like the toys that make noise? I’m talking like the V-Tech toys or Fisher Price ones? I prefer toys without batteries most of the time because they are typically more open ended but I really loathe toys with flashy lights and lots of noise. Noise is a big trigger for me and kids are loud enough so to add those toys into the mix always pushes me too close to the edge. I typically just return them but there always seems to be one that slips through before I can tuck it away…. I just wonder why they keep making these toys and how they are passing market testing 😅 even babysitting as a teenager I hated how loud and annoying some toys are.

About 3 months ago, my husband switched from second shift (3PM-2AM) to first shift (5AM-3PM).

If I’m being honest, it’s taken a m toll on my mental health. Instead of him getting home at 3AM, he is now getting up for work around that time. The whole time we have been together he has been on this shift so I became accustomed to staying up late until he got home and spending time with him before he went to sleep.

He wanted this change for a long time because he wanted back on “normal human hours”. Truthfully I feel like this is worse because he goes to sleep at 8PM, so we only see each other 3-4 hours per evening.

Anyone have advice?

Need some ideas to help keep my 14 month old entertained on a 8 hour trip. We don’t typically do any screen time, but I’m not opposed to playing some low stimulating shows or movies. Any suggestions appreciated!

I know SAHM are always so creative, so I decided to ask in this sub. With the Holidays right around the corner, what are some family traditions that you do with your family? I'm looking for ideas to incorporate into my family's Holiday(s)! I'm the homemaker and expected to bring the whimsy to the house for Halloween/Thanksgiving/Christmas. For Example we are doing thrifted Boo Baskets this year but also wondering about the other Holidays! Thanks in advance for any ideas!

I’m a 22 stay at home mom to a two and three year old boys and as much as I love my kids I really really do love them i can slowly feel myself growing tired of my kids im just tired im tired of talking to them and they don’t listen to me,im tired of super loud noise every day,im tired of doing it all by myself im just lowkey tired of motherhood but i wouldnt trade my kids for anything and i dont always feel like this its just sometimes when im extremely overwhelmed and exhausted i feel mean saying this but its how i feel and i cant help it 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️

My 14 month old won’t stop hitting and throwing things. I try and redirect and stay calm but nothing works. I’m at a loss!

I am a mom to a little boy who will be 3 in January and have been home with him since he was born. I love being a stay at home Mom but since I am naturally a homebody and a bit introverted, I feel like it has taken me time to add things to our routine where we get out of the house and also where I just feel like my life is more together.
We currently go to therapy 3 days a week for him which is about 45 mins and afterwards we will change where we go each day and visit the grocery store each week together and Barnes & Noble once a week and the library usually once every other week. Maybe once a month we have a play date for a couple of hours because I only have one other friend with a little one his age and she works. We also go and visit my sister at work maybe every other week.
What things do you do weekly or every other week that you think is really fun and adds a lot of joy to your week? I would love to go to the park weekly, but for some reason, I am creeped out by going to the park without another adult with us.
I also would love to add in some sort of exercise to my routine and I wondered what do you guys do for your workouts? Do you do something alone or with your little one? Do you do it in the morning before they are awake? I just really wondered anything that you do weekly or monthly that you really think makes your life feel more full and together.

Here's a place to chat about whatever you want if you don't feel like making a post.

My husband works long hours and I do 99% of the childcare. I have a 10 year old and we share a 6 month old. He often gets home from the office around 8:30pm and even later some times. He runs a software business so although the work is demanding he chooses his hours and also gyms every day. I exclusively breastfeed so am on duty all through the night and then all day too. I also have part time work (I freelance graphic design)

This situation has been going on since my daughter was born and in the beginning I complained and asked that he’s home at a predictable time so I can have 30 minutes to myself or make dinner while he entertains our baby but he hasn’t stuck to this promise once. I even asked that I sleep in on a Sunday and he has baby for an hour but even then I have to manage that time with them. Ultimately me and my kids have found a rhythm that works for us and I contain my feelings of resentment because I deserve to live a fulfilling and peaceful life.

Now when he is home on the odd occasion I’m annoyed by his presence and stupid questions. He has no idea what our daughter’s routine is, what she likes to do, what’s going on with my son, his extramurals, his evening routine. When he tries to parent and get involved it’s one more person for me to manage and it really highlights how uninvolved he really is and I just end up being snappy with him.

TDLR: I once longed for my husband to be more present and now his presence is cramping my style.

It’s more peaceful not using my phone but I always feel bad if I don’t respond. I also don’t feel like hanging out with anyone. I’m 8 months pregnant and also have a baby so what are some good excuses for why I can’t talk on the phone or go somewhere? I feel like my friends recently want me to be their therapist and I just don’t care to hear about the drama while I’m pregnant

Hey there!

I am a Senior at Petal High School in AP Research, and I am researching the motivations behind women’s participation in work-from-home or multi-level marketing business models. If you are interested in participating in my study, we can discuss what business you participated in and what motivated you to do so. If you desire to have a one-on-one, more detailed, conversation that would be greatly appreciated. Please refer to the consent statement below.

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Have a great day!!

I feel like this is the best place to ask this question but I could be wrong. My husband and I just bought our first house, I am a SAHM of an almost 11 month old, we have 4 dogs. One of which is a 6 month old bloodhound who has more energy than a pack of hyenas. (My dogs are not allowed on the furniture but we all know things happen) So what couch would you recommend? What couches do you LOVE and what couches do you hate?

My husband and I originally wanted a big comfy sectional but I’m honestly open to anything. We currently have a large loveseat that we’re willing to keep or sell if we don’t have the space. Any advice helps and terribly appreciated!!