After countless hours of discussion with fellow stay-at-home parents (SAHPs) at the playground, I’ve realized that our grievances about daily life at home are remarkably similar. This list is crafted for our partners to foster family harmony. When the SAHP is content, the entire family thrives. So, partners, please steer clear of these inquiries…
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“Wow. This place is a bit chaotic.”
Really? I’ve tidied up the house three times already. Those trains have been shuffled in and out of baskets, and those Legos have been assembled and disassembled more times than I can count. I even dedicated 7 of my precious 22 minutes of nap time to clean. Meanwhile, do you have any clue where those race cars belong? It’s not my fault you haven’t learned to navigate the living room without whining about stepping on Thomas the Train. Instead of commenting, why not grab the kitchen spray and wipe down the table while entertaining the kids? I’ll be taking a moment of peace on the john.
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“So, what did you actually do today?”
If another SAHP asks me this, my usual response is “nothing.” But that doesn’t mean you should imply I’ve been lounging around watching soap operas. When you pose this question, I’m often left speechless, trying to summarize endless rounds of train and princess make-believe. Funny how the kids are glued to their iPads when you’re around. They never do that with me.
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“You seem to be raising your voice a lot.”
Really? Try herding a bunch of toddlers while repeating, “Let’s put your shoes on,” only to find out they’ve soaked their pants and you have to wrangle them for a change. After chasing a gleefully naked child around while shouting, “Please come here,” see if you don’t raise your voice by 5:30 PM after saying, “Come get your shoes on” 137 times.
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“I just need 10 minutes to unwind when I get home.”
Seriously? Do me a favor and take your “me” time on the way home. Stop by a coffee shop or a pottery studio. Until those kids are tucked in, silence is a luxury you won’t have. Okay?
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“You didn’t pick up the _______ today?” (Insert: sponges, toothpaste, snacks, etc.)
Are we out of Dawn? You know, the Dawn you could have easily grabbed on your way home from work? Please don’t follow up with, “What did you do all day?” (See #2) because NO, I didn’t take my toddler tornado into a store for that item. The kids are alive, so you can get your own Dawn tomorrow.
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“You should really take a break. Hire a babysitter.”
Of course, I could use a break. But I was coping just fine until you called to say you’d be home late. That’s when I hit my breaking point. It doesn’t mean I need a babysitter; it means you need to manage your time better. Got it?
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“When was the last time you showered?”
Just… don’t go there.
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“You just need to make it a game.”
Really? Do you think toddler tantrums disappear if I turn them into a game? They’ll magically share their toys, change their clothes, and clean up without a fuss, right? By the end of the day, I’d prefer to ban all toys, bribe them to clean, and physically manage the pants-change because I’m just counting down to bedtime.
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“Um… when are you planning on getting a haircut?”
Funny how I lack the time to even look in the mirror. Can you schedule it for me—along with the sitter? Oh, and see #7.
Feel free to share your own suggestions for keeping SAHPs content below. My little one just discovered a box of matches. Time to go!
For more insights on the parenting journey, check out our article about couples’ fertility journeys. If you’re exploring home insemination options, don’t miss our guide to at-home insemination kits. For an excellent resource on pregnancy, visit NICHD.
Summary
This article highlights nine questions that partners should avoid asking stay-at-home parents, illustrating the challenges they face daily. By understanding the complexities of their responsibilities, partners can foster a happier family environment.
Keyphrase: Avoid Questions for Stay-at-Home Parents
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