Changing Roles: The Rise of Stay-at-Home Dads
As little as 50 years ago, few people in the US questioned the gender roles that had been in place for centuries. Many people assumed that a woman's place was in the home, and that a man's main responsibility to his family was to put food on the table In the 1970s and 80s, however, greater numbers of working women meant that men s were no longer the sole breadwinners father's involvement with his family also became more important. Even so, back then, almost no husbands were stay at home dads." Today with more career opportunities than ever available to women, the stay at home dad trend is on the rise
A family with a full-time dad has many benefits. If the wife is a career woman, her husband can take some family responsibilities off her shoulders, thereby allowing her to compete more successfully in the workplace. The men share in the joy of participating in their children's day-to-day experiences Differences in parenting styles between men and women are also believed contribute to children's well-being studies suggest that a strong paternal presence encourage greater curiosity higher self-esteem, and better emotional balance in the child. Societies with strong family units also report lower juvenile crime rates and lower rates of teen pregnancy Robert Frank, a professor of child development at oakton community College in the US notes that working mothers aren't necessarily absent from the home, many women form a close relationship with their kids regardless
In response to the recent increase in stay-at-home dads, new resources are becoming available. Playgroups are being planned for dads and their children. when Ryan Warren said that he felt out-of-place in groups that often consisted of all moms, his wife found a local group that hosted events for dads like Ryan and their children. "[My daughterl could play with other kids age, and l could hang out With other fathers going through the same experience," says Ryan. "In the group, we talk about the traditional guy things-sports, tools, cars.
Moving from a professional career to becoming an at-home parent is another challenge for these modern dads. But some men are finding ways to stay active with their career goals while parenting at home. Dad and blogger Hunter Montgomery is a great example of a father who balances home life with career aspirations. "I was a full-time stay-at-home-dad, but I didn't plan it that way," says Hunter. "My intention was to continue work as a mortgage loan officer from home, it's the type of work you can easily do remotely."
Hunter's wife, Christi, has a career in the US Navy that sometimes requires the family to relocate. When Hunter and Christi had their already knew that they would have to move within a year. To help with the transition Hunter his jobto become a stay-at-home dad. Hunter was always interested in personal finances and, being home to watch the kids, he studied part-time to complete a master's degree in Family Financial Planning. Hunter started a blog, Financially Consumed, as a way to stay active in his career by sharing tips and experiences with others. Despite many challenges, Hunter says he has found a way to balance both priorities of his family and his career. "All three of our kids are in school, and l have some time each day to pursue my interests," says Hunter. "I'm loving it
It's safe to say that the stay-at-home dad is here to stay As more and more dads find new ways to stay active socially and in their careers while parenting, the contribute immensely to the flexibility of the father's role in the modern family