while Mark dealt with diaper changes, tantrums, soccer practice, and chores.His texts throughout the day became desperate, and by the time I returned, he was exhausted and overwhelmed. The house was a mess, and he looked like he’d aged ten years.

“I had no idea,” he admitted. “Your job is real work.”From then on, Mark started helping out more. He even made breakfast the next morning, and he stopped downplaying what I do. He finally understood the work involved in being a stay-at-home parent, and he’s been more supportive ever since.In the end, I didn’t need to argue—I just let him experience it firsthand.