When Do I Get a Break?: Unexpected Emotions for a Stay-at-Home Dad

Abstract

Painting and sculpting had always been Nelson’s passion, and then after college this passion turned into his career. As an artist, Nelson always worked nontraditional hours and took time off between projects. Sales of his artwork brought in spurts of income, while his wife Denise’s salary at the bank provided for their modest but comfortable life. So when they had their first child 2 years ago, it made sense for him to be Gabby’s caregiver in her early years. What Nelson did not expect was how tough life could be as an at-home dad.

“Okay, Denise,” he had said on the phone around noon, “You’re lucky. Tonight I’m going to make some mushroom risotto, fresh asparagus, and some luscious tiramisu. You’ve been working too hard!” Denise had already told Nelson she would not be home until late that Friday night. Long meetings had kept her at the office until after 8 p.m. all week, and Nelson was feeling a little lonely spending his days with Gabby while having limited adult contact.