Nora and Helmer's marriage is on trouble, though, he isn't aware of it. Men are the head of the household, women are meant to stay home with the children and take care of the house. Helmer sees no reason for his wife to be unhappy, he provides for her, gives her spending money, and leaves her to her own devices. Thematically, Nora is the doll on Torvald's house.... he also treats her like a child, as does her father.
In Act I, Torvald’s attitude pervades every word he speaks to Nora, and his objectification of her is most evident in his diminutive pet names for her. She is his little “lark” and “squirrel” and, later, his “songbird.” Similarly, Torvald repeatedly calls Nora his “little one” or “little girl,” maintaining the atmosphere of subordination more appropriate to a father than a husband. As for Nora, we see in this first conversation that she seems entirely dependent on Torvald for her money, her food, and her shelter, despite the fact that she is keeping a secret. This secret is the kernel of her individuality and her escape from the doll’s house.