AtHomeDad.org

how much do you average per week on groceries?

i feel like i'm always going to the f***ing store every other day for something. i have a habit of making a list (unlike the wife) and try to stick to it.

we are a family of four (me, wife, two growing boys ages 7, 4) and i'm just curious as to what people are spending. we average about $150 a week for the basic Sunday weekly shop and then maybe a good $40-50 mid-week for whatever wasn't picked up (kitty litter, toilet paper, BEER!)

anyway, just looking for ways to trim the fat so to speak.

It is hard for me sometimes to keep my cool with my kids. I get that they are striving for their independance, but it is seriously getting in the way of my parenting. I don't have any other friends who have kids and everyone else i know that has them lives a couple hours away. What i want to know is, how often do other parents have the urge to toss their kids out the window? (too all who read this, I would never do anything to hurt my kids)

It is that time for our 2 year-old. Any hints?

Greg

We went and talked to a financial advisor earlier this year and one of the things he recommended was investing in a 529 plan for each of the kids. So I've been doing some research into the area. I will paste my notes at the end of this.

Does anyone have an opinion / experience with a particular plan? After reading some reviews I am thinking of going with either Maryland's or Utah's plan.

I published my notes (which might be totally wrong and outdated and you would be a fool to trust them without double checking the facts) http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dc624mtw_8ckzzjhx9

I've read about the negative sides of being a stay at home dad versus being a stay at home mom, but what are the advantages?

Here are a few that I can think of.

Background: Daughter #1 (now 3 yrs) had an unbelievable case of infant reflux and colic. From about 3 weeks old to 15 months, she rarely slept for more than 2 hours at a time and never more than 10 hours in a day (most difficult 15 months of my life, by far!). After about 15 months, things got a bit better. She now sleeps well and is a great kid.

Anyone have suggestions for a new at home dad who doesn't usually cook but would like to learn how? My sister in law works with a woman whose husband is about to start staying home.

My son was talkative today and had me in hysterics all afternoon.

* 1. We were driving to our arts and crafts class and he shat himself, noisily enough that I heard it from up front and the smell wafted up a moment later.
I said, "Oh my Gawd Michael, you stink!" and he replied, "Well, I am a boy."
I said, "Yeah but did you have to do that here and now?" To which he then replied, "Big boys poop Daddy!"

* 2. Fast forward a bit to our arrival at the art center. We are trying to potty train so when he says he has to go, it means NOW, and he starts saying he has to go pee pee.

Here's a new feature that I'm testing out....democratic control of what appears on the front page. The idea is that you get control of what appears on the front page of the site and thus, what "first impression" is presented to newcomers and the public.

Based some the recent suggestions and discussion, I've reorganized the forums a bit. You can see the new categories in the discussions section (http://www.athomedad.org/forum). When you're creating a new post, please put it in the appropriate category. There is a drop-down box that's near the top of the page when you create a new topic - just choose the right category there. Or, visit the discussions page, choose a category there, then create a new topic.

Before I had kids, everyone talked about how "terrible twos" were so bad, but no one mentions "tempermental threes" or "frustrating fours" and things don't change in a hurry, I am really dreading what the fives will bring. My son turns 5 in a week and I am at my wits end with him. He absolutely won't listen, he talks back, and has less than zero patience, which is causing me to lose my patience with him, which I hate.

Hi everyone,

This week, the University of Texas is running a banner story on this work from their main website. Overall, I think the story is pretty good and has at least some depth in terms of the findings. I thought I would share this link here, as a number of men from athomedad.org participated. I also shared some of these findings at the convention in KC (and thanks again for this opportunity). The story also mentions the convention so I'm hoping will be some good positive publicity for men in (or considering) this role.

For all of you who were able to join us in Kansas City for the 12th Annual At Home Dads' Convention as well as those were weren't able to make the trip: please post your suggestions for the 2008 Convention in this thread...

- Andy

www.athomedadconvention.com

First of all; I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to answer my previous posts.

Before we make a decision about me being an AHD; I am attempting to research and pre-plan as methodically as possible.

I know if my wife had her druthers, she would be the one to stay at home with our child. However, she is cursed with making more money that I do.

My question to the group is about wives to AHD being resentful that they are not the ones staying at home with the child.