I need an outside opinion on a heated argument between my husband (32M) and me (30F). We’ve been married for two years and have always split our expenses equally. Before my maternity leave, our monthly expenses included $1500 for rent, about $200 for utilities, and some miscellaneous costs.
Recently, we had a beautiful baby boy named Ethan. He’s already three months old, and taking care of him keeps me busy all the time. I haven’t had a chance to look for part-time work yet.
When I asked my husband to cover all our expenses during my unpaid maternity leave, he was completely against it. He said, “We promised to split everything evenly, and I’m still working. It’s only fair that you pay half. You may not be working right now, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t contribute financially.”
I was shocked by his response. I am the primary caregiver for our newborn, and it seems unreasonable to expect me to pay half of our rent when I’m currently unemployed. The sleepless nights, constant feedings, and diaper changes have left me physically and emotionally drained.
Plus, we have extra expenses for diapers, formula, and doctor’s appointments for Ethan.
I’ve tried to explain that my unpaid maternity leave is temporary and that I’ll start looking for part-time work as soon as I can. Meanwhile, I suggested that he cover my part of the rent until I can contribute financially again.
But he insists on splitting everything equally, saying he’s already covering extra expenses for the baby.
I understand the importance of financial responsibility, but I feel like my husband isn’t considering the significant workload I have as a new mom.
Am I wrong for expecting him to cover all the rent while I’m on unpaid maternity leave, given the circumstances?
4 thoughts on “My Husband Wants Me to Pay Half the Rent While on Unpaid Maternity Leave”
telll him you are paying half the rent , he hasn’t given a hand taking care of his son
No not at all, having a newborn is a full time job for life. You just don’t get paid for that job. He is the man sorry they are to be the sole providers after baby is born. Even when you do go back to work then you will have two jobs. Taking baby to daycare, picking up. Your new job, you will be feeding the baby, making sure everything is ready for next day.When you do go back to work then you have daycare cost, does he expect to half that also, if so he can do more of the responsibilities for the baby. Show him what it will be like when you go back to work, tell him to find the daycare and take baby back and fourth everyday. He will change his mind about you having to pay half of anything! Hope this helps!
charge h im with child care, if he is not doing his share.
Hummmmm. He said “ You may not be working right now, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t contribute financially”
Well let’s split everything then and that is taking care of his child. Sounds like you do need your income. And unfortunately that means you need a job.. My leave of two weeks was not paid but they held the position. I’ve worked outside the home with all three children so that tells you that I’m speaking from experience. Tell husband that you will get a job. He will care for child as you go for interviews! Once you have a job let his will take over1/2 child care that you can’t do now.