I love being a stay-at-home dad. Old-fashioned stereotypes and so-called gender roles aside, I can think of no better way to spend my life than raising my children. I am proud to be a stay-at-home dad, and I want other dads who are considering staying at home with their kids to know that there are many of us out here for support.

1. Perhaps you are considering becoming a stay-at-home dad. Maybe the economy has caused your company to downsize, and you’re now faced with that inevitable question: What do I do next? Let me tell you the 5 best things about being a stay-at-home dad. It is a role I encourage like-minded dads to consider, especially during a rocky economy.
2. You bond with your children. First and foremost, as a stay-at-home dad, I have developed a vastly stronger bond with my family than I would have had if I had a job at a traditional workplace. I have seen my children grow and change, and I have been there every step of the way. I’ve spent time with them that I never would have be able to if I were not at home. I’ve seen their first steps, heard their first words, and helped heal every bruise. They know they can count on their dad to be there for them every step of the way.
3. Your children change you. Frankly, I’m a nicer person than I was. I’m more compassionate and more considerate. I am an infinitely more patient person than I was. You can’t help but develop patience when you’re with your kids all day. My being a stay-at-home dad has changed my life and my perspective on what is important while changing their lives by my being around every day.
4. Spending time raising my kids is more important than a paycheck. I’m not alone in feeling this way. A study was conducted by the Minnesota Department for Families and Children’s Services in which 600 dads were polled. The vast majority felt that childcare and child rearing was more important in their lives than collecting a paycheck. The sense of accomplishment on a daily basis from being a stay-at-home dad is certainly greater than I ever felt in any workplace.


5. I am providing my children moral guidance. I believe I am teaching my kids a valuable lesson in breaking stereotypes. It may not be considered traditional for a dad to stay at home, but my kids are reaping the benefits of my day-to-day involvement in their lives. They are learning the value of living a judgment-free life from a very young age.

We have no need for day care. This means not only a tremendous economic benefit to our family, but also it means we are very hands on in the raising of our children.

This is not a complete list by any means. There are many, many wonderful things about being a stay-at-home dad. Providing guidance and support for your kids is paramount—but the love and bond you develop with them is as much a gift for them as it is for you.

Reference: http://BusinessTM.com/about/erik-cornella/

Tweet

Save