Simple you ask him. You also let him step in. He is grown. Those kids were not made alone. If you are saying he needs to step it up that means to me that he does do something but not all that you want. Have you voiced this? Not just said you don’t do a,b,or c. Often times we really don’t express what we want from our mate especially when it comes to parenting. What do you want him to do? What will parenting together look like not just from your view but his too? Are you willing to let him step in fully? Will you support him as he is to support you? Yes these are questions to ask yourself.
If you always take over, he may be reluctant to help. Recognize if that is something that you are doing and step back. The way men and women parent is different. Often times as a mother you are expecting it to look like your way and it won’t and vice versa. Step back. Once you do and you are still not getting a result and this is after you have told him your concerns, than you need to know that you are dealing with someone who is checking out. It could be that he doesn’t know, however that excuse will only take him but so far. Women are expected to know and do while men if they are in the physical home are praised. Simply coming home at night is not enough. We are not the generation of our parents and grandparents. Men can and are vital parts of the home. Simply just being is only half of what is needed. We need men to engage even in the things that naturally they wouldn’t for our sons and our daughters. Parenting is a full-time job. It requires both sets of parents to be engaged. Yes your husband may not know what fatherhood looks like, but if you have and start a family, its your responsibility to go after the skills that don’t come naturally to you. There are way too many parenting classes, resources for the I don’t know excuse. So find out what it is and make it happen TOGETHER. One of the greatest challenges a married couple will have is when you have children. This is why it’s important to really know a person, their background, how they were raised, and what they believe when it comes to raising children BEFORE you marry. Even if you never met your mate’s entire family please believe me when you have children you will. Your child/children are a mix of both of you and therefore it is not uncommon for children to bring out the best in you and the worst in you as well.
Work together. It’s hard as a woman when you naturally are more nurturing to let go. Parenting isn’t easier but there’s something in us that makes us step up in ways that only if you allow will allow a man to not have to take his rightful place. Your husband and you should always have a united front as you work out things in your parenting styles. Remember you are bringing in two different experiences into your unique home. That in itself takes a lot of finesse. Talk to your husband and LISTEN and not just hear. This isn’t a point the finger time, but a time to establish some goals, create a space of healing, and unite to make your children great and productive citizens in this world. Your children deserve to have both of you in their lives. Make sure both of your ideals are heard. Also make sure to never hit below the belt. You don’t need to signal every negative thing about each other’s upbringing, parents, etc to make a point. You can communicate better than that and still get things done.
