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`Fathers, home is priority too'

Srividhya Rajesh, a homemaker, asks why some men neglect home

There is so much said about women balancing the responsibilities of home and career. But these responsibilities are the husbands' as well, so why don't we ever hear of husbands having to strike a similar balance? I write this as an affected party, being the wife of a software professional who is rarely ever home, comes and goes at odd hours, and is on the job 24x7.

I'm a mother of two. Most of the time, I find myself playing substitute father, since my husband not only works late, but is often away on tours as well. If anyone can offer tips on how the family can manage both work and home, they would be appreciated.

Women, who are homemakers, don't restrict themselves to kitchen and kids anymore. They handle everything from bank accounts and investments to children's homework, odd jobs, and even a business. So now, the husbands are free to earn and enjoy a lifestyle that they always wanted. But there is a catch. This `freedom' also means the husbands lose out on their other priorities — watching their children grow, pursuing a hobby or further education.

I have also come across a few fathers who make it a point to attend PTA meetings or go grocery shopping. How do they manage?

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