Finding and securing daycare can be a massive challenge for many parents – especially if they work outside of the home.

One mom recently shared how her daycare after returning from maternity leave fell through… even though it involved her unemployed husband.

The mom explains on Reddit:

“I recently started working again after having my daughter (4m). Daycare is too expensive so my husband reluctantly agreed to stay home. It’s important to know that he’s been unemployed since 2021. He receives benefits.”

She adds, “He doesn’t cook, clean, or help out in any way. I was nervous about leaving her home with her father but I had no choice.’

Things went better than expected – at least initially.

“When I came back from work she was clean, and sleeping. The next few times I came home he was either playing with her, feeding her, or out for a walk with her. I was happy.”

But then… the mom’s neighbor revealed some crucial information.

“A few days ago my neighbor told me that as soon as I leave the baby cries and she cries for hours. She said that she knocked on our door and he finally answered it. He was sleeping.

“I concluded that he sleeps all day and night. Before I come home he pretends to care for her.”

So the mom put a plan into action.

“I left home at my regular time, waited 30 minutes, and then went home. Sure enough, he was knocked out sleep with his stupid noise-canceling headphones on. I went to my daughter’s room, scooped her up, and took her to my friend’s house.

“I waited about two hours and I finally called him to tell him that I was coming home early. He called me back saying that he can’t find the baby. He told me that he was going to call the police but before he did I told him what I did.”

The husband was furious.

“When I got home his mother was there ‘calming his nerves’ because he had a panic attack. She also called me an asshole. My husband decided to sleep at her house. Family members are telling me that I’m a terrible person.”

Commenters were outraged on the mom’s behalf.

“Sleeping with noise canceling headphones as the only adult in the home caring for a 4M old?!” wrote one.

Others were more extreme, with one writing, “He is not an appropriate caretaker for your child and if I were you, I’d be reconsidering the relationship completely.”

Another added, “Someone could have actually kidnapped your child. Or she could have got sick or choked or needed a nappy change. He is neglecting your child. I cannot believe his mom (her grandmother) hasn’t torn him a new one over this.”

And this person raised a red flag: “Unemployed and won’t even look after his own kid? This guy’s a leech, you deserve better.”