Back to work vent....

My oldest is 9 years old, my husband and I worked opposite shifts and he took care of him during the day. I know he did not do a great job, but our son was home. Even though it wasn't great my son and him bonded wonderfully. To this day they still have an extremely strong bond, that I am eternally grateful for.

Emily

{{{HUGS}}}

First of all, I WANT YOUR JET TUB!  Ok, I'm just jealous, but I'll get over that. 

Second, TRY to let it go.  My DH is the same way.  By our 3rd baby, I was used to it, but that's not saying it isn't a struggle for me to be quiet about it.  Men and women parent differently.  This isn't a bad thing.  It is actually good for baby to have a different relationship and parenting style.  My DH took a night feeding for me when Everett was a few weeks old.  Imagine my surprise when I found him (Everett) in his carseat with a small pillow holding up the bottle, while DH was asleep in the recliner nearby!  BUT, Everett's needs were being met and I was able to get a bit of a break.  If it's just one feeding, it isn't the end of the world.  

I have to stop myself whenever I feel the need to question or change the way DH parents the children.  Nothing he does would ever put them at risk.  He loves them all more than life itself.  He is more involved with our children in one day than his own father was in one week.  So....IMHO, find a balance in talking about the real concerns vs just the difference in his parenting style.  I also found that too much criticism or discussion on my DH's parenting skills actually made him question everything too much.  DH needed to do things his way and figure out how to interact on his own level.  As each baby got older (started smiling, cooing, crawling, etc), DH changed how he interacted and the kids now fight over who gets to sit next to dad, who hugs him first, etc.

You're both doing great and Cooper loves you both!

hugs,