Dear Queenie,
I used to have a full-time job, but I quit when our first child was born to be a stay-at-home mother. Since our family income is now a lot less I try to watch what I spend and keep to a budget, but my husband keeps reminding me that he is now the only one bringing in any money and he complains whenever I buy anything, even groceries or clothes for the kids.
Queenie, why does he do me this way?—Full-time Mom
Dear Mom,
Your husband may feel under pressure and may resent being the only wage-earner. Is he familiar with your budget and the fact that you keep to it? Knowing this might take some of the pressure off him.
You could also tell him that you would consider going back to work full-time if he would hire a caregiver for your children – and make sure he understands just how much a satisfactory caregiver would have to be paid.
