The Sacramento Bee published an article yesterday addressing a day-in-the-life of stay-at-home dad Chuck Hammond who takes care of his 1-year old daughter Reagan while his wife works full-time outside the home. By the way, I prefer the term "at-home" dad as S.A.H.D. implies that the male caregiver has been ordered to remain at home until further notice.
The article addressed the typical topics of layoffs, down economy, household budgeting, changing daily routine, and the feeling of isolation. All of which I could go into much more detail, but I won't as I don't want you to leave quite yet. What I thought was fascinating were the comments made by SacBee readers online.
Public opinion ranged from "Be a Man, Get a Job" to "Finally some recognition for the dads...." Of course, there was also the name-calling, and bickering amongst the responders. Some felt that the increase in at-home dads meant an erosion in "traditional" family values and roles. Others felt that this trend is the result of a bad economy. Even others felt dads at home was no big deal, heck what do they want a medal for rearing the children and doing household chores?
My two cents (& maybe you can figure out which comment in the Bee is mine)....the "traditional" family has changed drastically in the past 50 years....like it or not, that's the way it is. You or You and your partner must take care of your immediate family first and foremost. Your situation is what it is...your situation....and unique. You shouldn't care what other people think. Thank you for putting yourself out there Chuck, good luck with your decision and enjoy your little girl!
If you want to check out Chuck's website, it's http://dudesondiapers.wordpress.com/2009/04/15/dudeondiapers-in-the-news/
3 comments:
I am all for one parent staying at home, who cares which one it is?
Personally, I am trying to convince my hubs to let me stay home with the kiddos!
No matter how much more "at home" time dad is putting in, it spells kids who get to have more of a relationship with their dads. What's to not like about that? Hooray for a social structure flexible enough to say, it doesn't matter who is tending the kids so long as they are loved and nurtured.
At the risk of getting long winded, the erosion of tradition means nada to me when, in its place, is offered something of equal benefit. It's different to be raised by dad -- not better and not worse. We would still have slavery if we hung onto tradition for tradition's sake.
Yeah, the comments in the Bee seemed to strike a chord out there. However, we "the dudes" loved them. Even the negative feedback was at worst, completely hilarious. And, I truly believe that most people would agree that having someone home with kiddos is great regardless of the gender. Thanks for the post! Chuck
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