REAL STORIES: "Dads, you can't afford a stay-at-home wife."

If stay-at-home moms get paid, do you ever wonder what the salary is going to be? Is there such a thing as a stay-at-home mom salary calculator? Read one man’s attempt to know how much all his wife’s work is worth.

What can you read in this article?

• Salary calculator – how much is stay-at-home mom’s day’s work worth?
• What the hubby realized after he figured out the total amount

As homemakers, we do every single thing out of love. We cook the food, do the dishes, wash the clothes and take care of our kids without expecting anything in return.

Of course, there are days when we feel that some recognition would be nice, but other than that, we don’t expect to get paid for our hard work. Motherhood is the most fulfilling job there is, because we’re paid with unlimited hugs and kisses from our children.

But, what if, in some alternate universe, we actually get monetary compensation from doing all the work at home and taking care of the kids? Such is the topic of one husband’s post that has gone viral on social media in 2015.

At first thought, Steven Nelms’ statement made would make most women cringe. But after reading the rest of his blog entry entitled, “Fathers, You Can’t Afford a Stay-at-home Mom,” this dad from Texas just proved how valuable and irreplaceable moms are in our families’ lives.

Through his blog, we learned that Steven is married to Gloria, who is a full time stay-at-home mom to their toddler Ezra. It was a decision they both agreed on – Gloria would stay at home as long as it “made sense.” It was the more economical option considering the prices of childcare in the United States.

In his blog, however, Steven concluded that he has changed his mind. Taking all the facts and necessary expenses into account, he discovered that he cannot afford it if he were to pay Gloria for being a stay-at-home mom.

“My wife stays home and takes care of our son every single day. She changes his diapers, feeds him, plays with him, puts him down for his nap, and comforts him when he’s upset. And that’s just the bare minimum,” he wrote.

Stay-at-home mom salary calculator

How much can stay-at-home moms earn?

“The truth is, I’m ashamed of any time I’ve ever made her feel guilty or humored when she’s purchased something for herself,” he confesses. “I’m ashamed that she has ever felt like she doesn’t have just as much right to our income as I do.”

What he said was actually a sweet attempt at quantifying the unquantifiable.

“She loves me, loves our son, and loves our family, so obviously she isn’t doing any of those things for a paycheck or even for recognition. But it certainly doesn’t hurt to know that as a stay-at-home mom, her appraised salary is nearly double my actual income.”

Finally, he ends his entry with a confession that his blog entry was his way of telling his wife how much he values her.

“So in a very weird way, this is my way of saying how much I value my wife as the mother of my child and the one who always has my back no matter what. You are more precious than rubies. And I can’t afford you.”

You can read the entire viral blog entry here.

How to show your appreciation to your wife

While being compensated would be nice, we don’t really expect anything in return. It’s a labor of love, as we always say. But once in a while, we wouldn’t mind feeling appreciated for everything we do for our family. It doesn’t have to be anything grand or material, but just simple gestures that show us you value all our hard work. Here are some simple ways to do it:

• “It’s our money.”

Sometimes, stay-at-home moms feel guilty for not being able to contribute to the family’s budget, and not having “our own money” to spend on whatever we desire.

While every family have their own setup when it comes to their finances, it would be great to give your spouse some reins when it comes to spending.

Tell her she can buy something new for herself without asking for your permission (granted that it’s within your budget). Don’t make a face when she checks out her cart for online shopping. God knows how long those items have been waiting in her cart to be checked out.

If she seems squeamish at the thought of spending “your money,” remind her that the money you bring home is for the whole family and take some notes from Steven. Tell your wife that she has just as much right to our income as you do. If she still won’t budge, maybe you can give her a monthly allowance apart from the money that you give her for the expenses at home.

• Take part in the work.

Being a stay-at-home mom is hard work. So your wife will really appreciate it if you share the load when you can. We know you’re tired from a day’s work, but maybe you can help wash the dishes after dinner. After all, your wife spent the entire afternoon cooking the food for you, all while taking care of your baby. So maybe you can also take over mommy duties and play with your child for an hour while she takes a well-deserved shower at the end of the day.

• Let us sleep in.

On weekends, give your wife the gift of much-needed rest by taking over any morning duties that might interrupt her sleep cycle. Can’t handle breakfast? Just order in or give the kids milk and cereal. Bring the kids out to the garden so they won’t disturb mommy’s rest as well. While you’re at it, breakfast in bed would probably be the best way to start the day.

• A heartfelt “Thank you” would suffice.

At the end of the day, more than grand gestures or expensive gifts. What we really want is to know that you see how much work it takes to keep our homes neat and orderly, and to keep the children healthy and safe.

You’re not the only one making a sacrifice for the family. So move past the “Nasa bahay ka lang naman” thinking and give your wife the appreciation and recognition she deserves.

Moms, how does your hubby show his appreciation for your hard work? Let us know in the comments section!

Updates by Camille Eusebio