Mr. Mom needs to share duties

Opinion

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This article was published 24/01/2016 (3538 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: The man (Mr. Mom) who wrote you about his wife who seems disinterested in their kids refers to endless chores she does and her cooking ability, making me think he values her only for her services. I wonder if this woman sees herself as the family servant, meeting their needs while they talk and do things together, and doesn’t feel welcome joining in.

Does Mr. Mom do all the nurturing with the children because she won’t, or because he prefers it and she feels left out? If he were to say, “Hey, why don’t you take the kids for ice cream this time and I’ll catch up on laundry,” what would the result be?

— Wondering, Winnipeg

Dear Wondering: A dominant, charming partner can sometimes hog the kids’ fun time and be the more popular parent — the Pied Piper of Fun. This wife may not be into the playtime activities and child nurturing, as he suggests; it happens sometimes, as not all women turn out to natural mothers. But you have a point. She may be a shy person and just keeps on folding the clothes and wishing she were included. If she finds out about her husband’s letter to my column, I certainly invite her to write in and tell us her side of the story.

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6

Miss Lonelyhearts
Advice Columnist

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