Dad tip #36: Help stay-at-home moms escape baby prison

I'm sure there will be a number of overly sensitive people out there offended by the title of this post. The notion that babies could possibly be perceived as wardens of a home prison for stay-at-home moms should be absurd, but when you really think about pre-baby freedom versus post-baby limitations, the metaphor kind of works. And equally obviously (but being stated for the overly sensitive), for 99.99% of mothers out there it's the most joyous "prison" in the world that they'd never want to escape from.

That said, moms should be paroled occasionally. And you, as the husband and governor in this increasingly elaborate metaphor, are the one who should not only ensure that parole can logistically happen, but you should also encourage it.

If you're working 40+ hours a week and your time with your kid is limited, by all means encourage your wife to take some time to herself or take some time to hit the Christmas Tree Shops (BLEEEARGH! Eww ewww ewwwwwww! Barf!) with some of her gal pals. It'll give you that extra precious one-on-one time with your kid that you need.

And in the end, it'll keep everyone much saner and you curb the risk of your wife going all Shawshank Redemption on you.