What will people think if I'm a househusband?

Dear Coleen,

My wife wants to go back to work after maternity leave and for me to stay at home to look after our son, who is 10 months old.

It makes sense because she’s the main breadwinner and earns a lot more money than I do. With childcare being so expensive, it works better financially for me to stay at home.

The only thing is, I’m worried about what my family and friends will think of me being a stay-at-home dad. And will being a househusband make me any less of a man?

Coleen says.

No, absolutely not! Things have changed so much – in my mother’s day there was no such thing as a househusband but these days it’s really not that unusual.

Whatever your mates say, it’s the sensible thing to do because your wife earns more money. They’re probably just jealous – I bet there are a few of them who would love to be in your position!

Stop thinking about your mates because this is your life and not theirs. What you’ll realise when you’re a full-time dad is that there is no harder job in the world than caring for your child.

It’s not the easy option but it’s the most sensible for you and it means you’ll be financially better off.

And remember, it’s not for ever. Your son will start nursery or school and you’ll soon be free to get back into the world of work.