(Ari sounds like Mr. Mom in this article!)
Afterposten
Princess' husband enjoys housework
Ari Behn, the Norwegian author who married Princess Martha Louise, says he "does everything" at home. While debate rages in Norway over how working couples should divide household chores, Behn finds it "completely natural" to take over domestic and child-rearing duties.
"I change diapers, I make food, I play with the baby," Behn told newspaper VG, referring to his eight-month-old daughter Maud Angelica. "I think that's completely natural."
He admits, however, that he and his contemporaries may be the first generation who have "a clear opinion" that they must contribute to work on the home front on an equal basis with women.
"The only thing we don't do," he said with a smile, "is nurse the baby, but it's probably just a question of time before we do that, too." (
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Norwegian newspapers have been full of stories during the past week about a debate that's gone on for years. As women become more firmly entrenched in the workforce, and told they must work full-time in order to qualify for future retirement income, many are angry and disillusioned.
That's because they still end up carrying most of the burden at home as well, and their burn-out rate after trying to juggle a job, housework and child care is skyrocketing. Even in a country that offers extensive (if expensive) child care and lengthy paid maternity leave.
Government Minister Erna Solberg earlier this week advised women to simply stop doing all the housework. Only then, she said, will their men start to take more responsibility.
Behn, who seems to thrive in his role as a modern man, says he takes his daughter "everywhere" with him and thinks that's important. "My friends and I participate on an equal basis with women," he claimed. "But I'm not saying I'm perfect. I am, for example, very messy."
Aftenposten English Web Desk
Nina Berglund
