To keep my cleaner despite what DH says

[wakeysleepy]

DH injured his knee early December and with 2 under 2 I was finding it impossible to keep on top of housework whilst his knee recovered. I'm on MAT leave so I try to get done what I can, but when I return to work it'll be even harder!

We agreed to have a cleaner once a week until he was able to walk again.

DH is saying now that his knee is better and he is returning to work after sick leave, that we no longer need the cleaner.

I disagree. She gets to the jobs that rarely get done (windows, blinds, skirting, kitchen cupboards etc) and any time I can muster to get on with those jobs, I would rather be doing something for myself.

DH works 5 days a week, sometimes 6 days depending on the rota. He usually spends every other Saturday playing football (although that may no longer be a possibility), so I would like to spend our Sundays together doing something as a family, not cleaning!

Obviously the every day things we get done and he's very hands on with housework and the kids, so I can't complain in that sense.

If DH is really insistent to no longer have a cleaner, I'd happily just pay for her myself but he won't be happy with that.

We aren't strapped for cash, but not exactly swimming in it either.

YABU - you should be able to keep on top of housework
YANBU - keep your cleaner

Keep the cleaner !

@wakeysleepy
Fair enough and I know I was answering a question you hadn't asked!
But definitely keep the cleaner!

If you have a cleaner who does good work and makes your life easier, you should definitely keep her (and possibly shower her with regular gifts).

Bullshit!

Ok, every household is different but in my mine, DH is a very involved father and works full time and still gets more downtime than me.

I recognise that this may change as DC gets older but at the moment, DH definitely gets more downtime.

I have told this story before, when DH and I moved in together (34) years ago I in a fit of domestic bliss washed and ironed all his shirts, he thanked me and then said normally he prefers them with starch.🙄
I went out the next day and found an ironing lady and through thick and financial thin we have always had someone to do the ironing.

He tried to convince me once that we didn’t need a cleaner so I asked for a detailed explanation of when and where the cleaning was going to be done, it didn’t materialise I found a cleaner.

I think most people don't realise how hard it can be when you have a new born and a toddler.
Your husband hurt his knee, you got a cleaner and realised that the work she does makes your life easier. Your husband says now his well you no longer need the cleaner.

Your going back to work in the next while so you will be busier then.
You need to tell your husband that it's time for him to grow up and realise he has 2 kids under the age of 2 and it's not your job to do it all. Tell him as well that you saved up to go maternity leave and ask him when he plans to do your cleaners work?
In fact I tell him that your taking next Sat off and your leaving him a list of cleaning he can do when minding the 2 kids. Let him see the reality of minding 2 kids and trying to get jobs done.

To me the cleaner would cost you both say £20 a week each and this keeps your house clean and makes life easier when the kids are small is worth it. Also for your own sake you need your husband to realise that you need some child free time as well.

Keep the cleaner at all costs!