A recent article in Time Magazine discussed the growth of female economic clout in the US today and suggested that “if people think differently about money, power and gender roles, everyone may come out ahead.” Many men today struggle to maintain steady, gainful employment and some wives have become the primary “breadwinner” and at times the husband has become the “house-husband,” remaining home to take care of home and children. We’ve been taught that the husband is to be the “provider” for the family; 1 Timothy 5:8 states that the person (inference is that it is the man) who does not provide for his family is worse than an unbeliever. Is it a problem Biblically if the man is not the financial provider for his family?
The “traditional” family roles had husband as the financial provider for his family, while the wife took care of the home… and everything else. As women entered the workforce, their expectation was that their duties at home would decrease with increased time outside the home. This didn’t happen and we saw stressed women attempting to cope with home and office duties and increased conflict between husband and wife. Many people from the “traditional” background advocate for women remaining home to care for children and household, but is it biblical? I think the “traditional” family is not biblical; the husband is to be the provider financially, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. Biblically, the husband should be intimately involved with his family not just the breadwinner. The good news is that Time reported that men have become significantly more hands-on in child rearing over the past generation – men are beginning to understand that there is more to being a husband and father than just bringing home a paycheck.
It has been said that the husband is the prophet, priest and king; the one who brings God’s truths and word to the family, the one who leads his family into God’s presence and the provider and protector of the family. Two or three thousand years ago – even 200 years ago, provision required the man’s strength and outdoor skill for the family to eat. Outdoor skills, at least in the US and Europe are rarely required for a family to eat today. But does that mean the husband cannot remain at home and be the provider while the wife uses her skills to provide financially for the family if that is what she wants? Does it upend biblical roles? I’m chewing on this – your input is welcome…
I belive that you have a very good point. I love to be a stay home mom but at times It is vital to our childrens education in every aspect for my husband to be involved in raising our 3 children. If he only provides with a pay check every week and not be involved inbour family he can become a total stranger in our home....... So raising our kids should not only be the wifes responsibility but siould be the husbands too. The worls says 50/50 but I strongly belive iys 100/100 for both. And most important is to have God as our #1 to guide and help us. ;)
ReplyDeleteThe traditional way of Dad working outside the home and Mom working within it is the best way for many reasons. Dads are better equipped to provide and Moms are more equipped to snuggle with their babies. I know it gives me a great sense of security to know that I am home with my children and being a mother while my husband is providing and protecting us.
ReplyDeleteBut, as you said, this doesn't mean he isn't involved. My husband is very heavily involved with our kids -- he teaches them to swim, discusses Christian doctrine, takes them to church extra during the week, takes them to several of their activities, etc. As a homeschooling family, this is vital to the life of our family and he is an example to many Dads as to how to be a great father. My husband is an incredible father and I am so blessed to have married him.
I think Moms are best suited to help financially by some kind of freelancing work or contract work part-time at home or with a small home business. The key is to make sure it fits in with her duties towards her children and not have it be full time and also preferably something that the children can participate in at least as they get older -- such as sewing, soapmaking, baking, or something like that where the mother makes these crafts and sells them; or, if necessary to have something more steady, some kind of freelance writing or remote staffing job part-time.
Most mothers prefer to stay home and would stay home if they could. Financial difficulties should be discussed and then some creative means can be found to deal with them. Paring down finances can actually be fun! Creatively using your resources and money can bring a family closer together, teach everyone neat tricks for budgeting and bring more joy.