12 Track 12

Unit 9

The Changing family

Chapter 2

Changing Roles: The Rise of Stay-at-Home Dads

Page 155

Changing Roles: The Rise of Stay-at-Home Dads

As little as 50 years ago, few people in the U.S. 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 were no longer the sole breadwinner. A 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 to contribute to children’s well-being.

Studies suggests that a strong paternal presence encourages 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 U.S., 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 daughter could play with other kids her age, and I 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 U.S. Navy that sometimes requires the family to relocate. When Hunter and Christi have their first child, they already knew that they would have to move within a year.

To help with the transition, Hunter left his job to 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 I 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, they contribute immensely to the flexibility of the father’s role in the modern family.