My husband won't take care of our two-year-old child. What do I do?

Dr. Pat

By Patrick J. McGrath OC, PhD, FRSC

Question:

My husband won't take care of our two-year-old child at all, as he says that is my job. I am exhausted.

Dr. Pat responds:

Your husband is missing an important chance for fun with his child.

He could have rigid ideas of child care as women's work. On the other hand, maybe he feels that he is incompetent. Or he may be afraid of doing the wrong thing.

Genuinely and subtly praise your husband when he has any contact with his child. See if you can find a good way of saying things like: "The baby smiles when he hears your voice," or "You are good at understanding the baby."

Don't criticize what he does. Encourage him.

If he is just a rigid, uncaring, pig-headed chauvinist, he won't likely change.

	PSYCHOLOGY The study of human behaviour and the function of the mind.

	PSYCHOLOGIST A professional specializing in the mind and mental processes. This may include studying the development of the mind and behaviour; studying the effects of various factors on the mind and behaviour; or diagnosing and treating mental disorders, emotional disturbances, and behaviour problems.