This Sunday will mark the celebration of yet another Father’s Day and I can write the usual about being thankful for all the wonderful things that dads do for us, and we do thank you. But this year I have noticed a marked difference in the roles of dads. It has been happening very slowly, staying under the radar, until its full impact can be felt… The evolution of the stay at home dad; yes, that’s right! There are a significant percentage of dads who are staying home and raising their young children. They are picking up at preschool, coordinating play dates, running sick children to the pediatrician and nurturing them through illnesses.
When I started in this business years ago, it was a rare dad who even entered into the preschool. Choosing a preschool was purely a female’s domain. For the rare occasion a dad came to see the school, his wife was interested in knowing if we had a “Dad Tour”, which was quick and focused primarily on only two topics of interest to him; security and costs. That “tour” has changed dramatically. Today we are just as likely to have a dad tour and choose their child’s preschool as a mom. Often we see both parents touring. The questions about curriculum, tenure and educational background of staff, volunteer opportunities as well as safety and security are all part of this new tour. Dads are not just staying home – they are raising children.
This weekend I attended a family event where I sat next to my nephew, who is not only new dad but a stay at home one at that. He works out of his home, attends graduate school and watches his young son. My great nephew comfortably snuggled into his dad’s neck while all the grown ups “oohed and ahhed” over his round little face. At times our conversation focused on child development as well as school and work. All the while, young Andrew sat on his father’s lap playing with the table ware. Nothing out of the ordinary, but did I mention his mom was also there? This little boy was just as content with his dad as with his mom. How wonderful is that!
On behalf of all the moms, I would like to say: Welcome Dads! Welcome to the most rewarding job you will ever have. Your time as a stay at home dad may or may not be limited, but we welcome you. Come on in ask your questions; we have been waiting a long time for you. We promise the next time we see a Dad playing with his young children at the park, we will try to be open minded and include you in our conversations and play dates. After all, hasn’t this been what we have been asking for; Equality. Our children and their futures welcome you! Happy Fathers’ Day!
Peace & Light,
Grace
Comments on: "Ode to Fathers" (4)
This “ode” was so nice to read! It is so true, too!It is wonderful how Dads are so much more involved in raising their children and the every day tasks that are so tedious are recognized as timeless! These young years are so full of firsts and Dads should be a part of them, too!
With Love from; Miss Tracey
Dad’s are here to stay, but I’m no Soccer-Mom… I’m a Swim-Dad.
I love the “Ode”! These moments ARE priceless, and my husband and I agreed prior to having our daughter who is now almost 8 years old, that we are equally parenting her, and it shows in every aspect of her happy and well adjusted personality! Thank you Miss Grace for always supporting us!
With Love,
The Chiapusio’s
Hello Aunt Grace…
I finally logged in to see your new website and saw your recent post and story about Joanne, little Andrew, and Myself on Father’s Day. What a wonderful thing to read and I thought I would reply with some thoughts.
Not to a father’s own fault…he is born a man. We have many deficiencies but we have a huge problem with a little issue called self confidence. Those who don’t admit to the innate self confidence deficiency are the ones who suffer the most. We need to hear time and time again that we are good providers and protectors of our loved ones…that our efforts are noticed and appreciated. I’m sure this is not new to our spouses who always discover this psychological weakness long before we do. Personally, I tend to my son as much as I do because Joanne works full time, is pregnant again, and a new Mom herself. So I give even more credit to her and other women spouses who are taking on more responsibility outside the home themselves. So, your little story provided me AND Joanne…especially me…with a moment of tremendous satisfaction and pleasure as a parent. At the very least, it got us to stop for a moment, reflect on our marriage and parenting efforts, and give each other a pat on the back.
So to you women, whisper in your husband’s ear how lucky his children are to have a father like him. And I promise he’ll work even harder at being a better man!