CAROLYN HAX

(Nick Galifianakis for The Washington Post)

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By Carolyn Hax

Monday, July 6, 2009

Adapted from a recent online discussion:

Dear Carolyn:

My husband and I are expecting our first child. We haven't been married long and are still learning each other's ways.

We are in the middle of deciding if I should go back to work after the baby arrives. One of his stipulations is that if I am not working, then I would take care of all cooking and cleaning, and he will provide income for the family.

Part of me understands this idea, the other part of me wonders why he gets a 9-to-5 workday and leaves me with the never-ending, no set hours of homemaker?

Do you think he should still help me around the house? I know lots of moms can't stay home. I feel guilty even bringing this up to him.

Pregnant Pause

How about this:

You will be in charge of the child and the home -- and all that entails -- during the hours he's at work.

He will be in charge of earning money during the hours he's at work.

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