The Lazy Husband: How to Get Men to Do More Parenting and Housework

Coleman thoroughly reviewed the relevant literature on the transition to new parenthood and how it impacts the marital relationship. That plus his own experience, and from couples he counselled, are the sources for this book, and that wide range shows throughout. Great ideas, wonderful pointers to more good ideas. Coleman aimed this squarely at women and explains why: men aren't that unhappy about the deal they are getting. Most of the book is about what women can do to change themselves to change what they get out of their relationship -- there is some great, detailed information about how to negotiate in a wide variety of situations (unlike Shields admirable _How to Avoid the Mommy Trap_, which really applies in only one kind of marriage). The chapter at the end aimed at men is good, also. The field can still use more entries, but in the meantime, this is a great place to go for ideas on how to survive being a new parent in a world which is not very supportive of being a new parent, and where marriages suffer as a result.

This is a highly readable, practical, and fun book. Dr Coleman says that he is a former lazy husband and it's not hard to believe since he clearly knows every trick in the trade that men are known to employ. I particularly like that it's well-researched and substantive without getting too academic sounding. As a mother of very young children, I have found his techniques easy to implement and positive in tone. Strongly recommended.

This book can save your marriage, or improve it substantially at the least. I found it's no nonsense but caring approach to a serious topic that plagued me (and millions of others) extremely helpful. Better support of my spouse has led to a better marriage in every way, and a happier me and my spouse.

I'm a new mother of twins and recommend this to all women. My husband and I have been having a lot of problems figuring out how to divide the housework and parenting in a way that feels good to both of us. This is the best book I've seen that makes clear suggestions for both people.

I have been desperate to get my husband to help me more with the house and kids and this is the first book I've read that takes the subject seriously. Rather than give the usual simplistic formulas, Coleman looks carefully at the many ways that men can be helped to change their behavior. It's a good read too, entertaining but also really informative.