Q: I'm getting increasingly annoyed with a few of my friends and family. I am a high earner so my husband and I have decided that I will return to work while he looks after our daughter full time. It has been a big decision for him to give up work and become a 'house husband' but everyone is saying that a daughter needs her mother and my career should come second. What do I say to them? I am beginning to think we are doing something horribly wrong.

A: Unfortunately, some people feel they are qualified to pass comment on domestic arrangements and can be extremely judgmental. They have no right to do this and the best thing you can do is bite your tongue, thank them for their opinion and state that this is your chosen course of action and you are both very happy with this decision.

Equally, rest assured that you are doing nothing wrong at all. What matters most to a child is a loving, happy home – and shelter, food and clothes! Money does not grow on trees and if your financial situation dictates that you return to work instead of your husband, then so be it.

It is also worth bearing in mind that there are many working parents in the UK who would relish having one parent stay at home, rather than send their child to nursery or a child minder. Not only does it save on cost, it also makes life so much easier if your child is ill or not ready to wake up (which can happen!)

It is of course a big decision for any parent to leave their job and stay at home, whether that is the mother or the father. So right now you need to remain positive for your partner's sake. The good news is there are an increasing number of dad-specific parenting websites that your partner can refer to for advice on day-to-day issues or information on activities such as music, swimming, playgroups etc.

Parenting is a joint effort, and dads at playgroup are no longer a rarity – there are always a few dads (even granddads!) around that your husband can team up with if he feels the need.

Being a parent is a tough job and the negativity of others is not going to help you or your husband. So keep positive and rise above these silly comments. Your domestic arrangements are of no consequence to anybody else and if you are happy with your decision, then your course of action is totally correct.

Are you or your partner a stay at home dad? Has it worked for you?