When my husband and I welcomed our first child, Emily, I thought it would be a wonderful journey into parenthood. Yet, Tom’s behavior changed, blaming me for everything. I quickly taught him a well-deserved lesson!
Before Emily’s birth, Tom warned me not to criticize his parenting or he’d give up completely. He refused to attend parenting classes or read books. During one of Emily’s first feedings, I suggested, “Hey, babe, maybe try lifting her head a bit higher? It helps with digestion.” Tom snapped, “I think I CAN handle this.”
Tom started spending more time on the couch, ignoring us. Exhausted, I decided to teach him a lesson by commissioning a portrait depicting him as a couch potato. During a family event, guests laughed at the portrait, embarrassing Tom. His parents were disappointed, and his father scolded him outside.
Tom eventually approached me, saying, “Did you have to embarrass me in front of everyone?” I replied, “I did it to make a point. We are supposed to be a team.” Tom agreed to work together, and over the next few weeks, we found balance.
The portrait now hangs in our living room as a reminder of our lesson. Parenting is hard, but with Tom by my side, I know we can handle anything.
