DEAR ABBY
I’m at my wits’ end. I have been unemployed for almost two years. My wife has been working during that time. We have two girls I take care of. Although I have consistently searched for work, I haven’t found anything.
My question is, do people think stay-at-home dads are lazy jerks who leech off their wives? I worry that people — relatives — think I’m a lowlife or incompetent. Is this true? Stay-at-Home Dad
Dear Dad:
I know you are frustrated, but you are being needlessly hard on yourself. While some people still think that way, an increasing number no longer do. The traditional roles of the woman staying home and the man being the breadwinner have, of necessity as well as choice, become increasingly reversed since the beginning of the new millennium.
The realities of today are far different than they were 10, 20, 30 years ago. I don’t know if your relatives feel the way you suspect they do, but if you think that’s what’s happening, talk to them and straighten them out.
Dear Abby:
My son and his wife live 6 miles from me. They have a 4-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old son. The only time I am guaranteed to see my son and his family is on my birthday. The most I have ever seen my grandkids is four or five times a year.
My son works two jobs and drives 70-plus miles to work four days a week. The only time they really have together is on Sunday. I realize my son is very busy, but I would like to see them more often. Do you have any ideas? Hoping for More
Dear Hoping:
Your mistake may be in waiting for your family to do the inviting. You might have better luck if you offered to stop by for a visit, or to watch the grandkids so their mom can have a little time for herself. Clearly, your son is on a tight schedule, and he does need to have time alone with his wife and kids.