My Husband Refused to Change Our Baby’s Diapers Because ‘It’s Not a Man’s Job’ – So I Gave Him a Wake-up Call
People say having a baby makes your life complete, filled with joy every time they giggle. What they don’t tell you is sometimes you’re up at 2 a.m., standing on a formula-soaked floor, exhausted and alone, while your partner acts like parenting is a one-sided job.
I’m Jessica, 28, married to Cole, 38. We have a six-month-old daughter, Rosie—perfect and exhausting. One night, Rosie cried out loud, and after a long day, I asked Cole for help. He refused, saying, “Diapers aren’t a man’s job.” That broke something in me.
Feeling desperate, I called Walter—Cole’s father—who had abandoned him years ago. Walter came over unannounced to confront Cole about his absentee parenting. He admitted he’d made the same mistakes, checked out early, and left his family to struggle alone.
Cole was defensive but shaken. After Walter left, Cole took time to think. Later that day, he opened up, afraid he was becoming like his father. I told him we’d figure it out together.
Change won’t happen overnight, but Cole’s trying. Now, he’s learning to diaper Rosie and even jokes about “men’s jobs.” When Rosie cries, he’s the one rushing to her side. For the first time in months, I believe he’s really here.
