You may never have thought the role of stay-home dad was for you. I didn’t think it was a position I’d ever find myself in, either. But times and priorities change, and you may be finding yourself in the role of a lifetime.

For me, the role of stay-home dad was something that I fell into. My mother was diagnosed with cancer, and I made the choice to stay-home and care for her, along with my children and the household. When she passed away, I realized that my priorities had changed. As much as I wanted to provide for my family and earn an income, I also did not want to leave the role of stay-home dad. I had grown to really cherish the moments when I was home with the kids. I had a chance to teach them things, share experiences with them, and watch them grow. I had an opportunity to nurture them in a way I never had been able to do before.

When you leave for the office every day, you kiss your kids goodbye and then hear about their day over dinner. I wanted to share their day with them in a more active way. I wanted to watch them at practice, help them with homework, and guide them through life. I wanted to be a stay-home dad.

Moms have stayed home with kids for centuries. But a dad only recently has had the opportunity to do this. The lessons a father can teach his kids are no less valuable than the lesson a mom can teach. In fact, they are different. Just as men and women view the world differently, moms and dads share different experiences and guide differently.

The opportunity to become a stay-home dad gave me a unique experience with my kids, and it gave me a unique experience to grow as a father. I had never had to change my way of viewing the traditional stereotype that a man goes to the office as a workplace and the wife may do the same or may stay-home. Changing my own view of these stereotypes and accepting the possibility that I could be the stay-home parent in our family was great growing experience for me.

I still get all the questions from a lot of people asking how my wife feels about me as a stay-home dad and whether I’m looking for work. Let’s face it—I work more now, as a stay-home dad, than I did in the workplace! Child rearing is no easy task, and I am infinitely more patient and understanding than I ever was before.

Spending time as a stay-home dad has been a learning experience for both me and my children. Although we don’t fit the traditional stereotype, we are creating the new norm as a family unit. My kids love having me as a stay-home dad, and I can truly say I’m privileged to have this role in their lives.

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

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