Keep Your Cool

7 Savvy Ways to Ease the Life of Your Stay-at-Home Wife

By Jill Eggleton Brett

As fathers and husbands, many men work hard to provide for their families and make a better future for their children. There's no doubt that some men have to work even harder and longer so their wives can be stay-at-home mothers to their children. Though the choice to have mom stay at home can be a sacrifice financially, it may also be a sacrifice to her sanity! She talks to children all day long while doing the same chores day in and day out. Of course, most moms do indeed love their job at home with their kids. But moments alone to recharge or relax are few and far between. Here are seven suggestions to help make mom's daily life a little easier. And remember, a little effort on Dad's part goes a long way in Mom's heart.

There's nothing more frazzling than trying to get kids in and out of the car at five different locations -- especially when car seats are involved. Simple errands can actually turn into a relaxing rhythm for Mom if she's flying solo. Kelly Mattocks, mother of twin toddlers in Upland, Calif., recalls, "Last week I had some overdue movie rentals to return. This is no big luxury outing but I didn't want to lug the twins along. My husband told me to go return the movies and to take my time. When I got back home, he had bathed the twins and cleaned the kitchen. That meant so much to me."

Want to see more?

• Father Time: Striking a Balance Between Work and Home
• Pressure to Provide: Balancing the Responsibilities of Father and Husband
• The Dads' Place Discussion Board