The new role of stay-at-home dad has shattered the old, so-called traditional stereotype of a father leaving the house in the morning, briefcase in hand, and heading to an office, only to reappear just in time for dinner and an evening in front of the TV.
This version of dad, the stereotypical father seen on old television shows, left for the office, after a quick peck on the cheek for his kids and wife, and did not return home until dinnertime. The dad we all grew up watching on television was only marginally involved in his children’s lives, primarily in the “Wait until your father gets home!” role of disciplinarian. At most, he spent time with his children on weekends or at the dinner table. The old model of the dad in the workplace left very little time for meaningful involvement in the lives of his children and even less time for bonding and guidance. Rarely was dad seen driving the kids to soccer practice, or actively helping with homework, or preparing dinner. The stereotypical father was more of a shell, the dad who came home with a paycheck, who sat in an easy chair, and who wanted to relax by himself before dinner.
Was this an effective method of parenting? Maybe, depending upon what era we’re talking about and the roles of husband and wife relative to the family as a whole. Is it today’s model of parenting? Not anymore. Today’s model is based more on equality of the parents and the involvement of both mom and dad in the children’s lives.
Now, the stay-at-home dad is the new model of parenting. It may not work for every household, but it creates a whole new vibrant set of opportunities for both dad and mom to interact meaningfully with their children. In today’s world, the wife in this family picture may have the better paying job, the career ladder to climb, and the better set of benefits. The stay-at-home dad provides the solution to the worries that often face modern day career women: Who will stay home with the kids? Who will take care of their needs? Who will maintain the home?
Rather than turning the kids over to a nanny, and the home upkeep over to a housekeeper, the stay-at-home dad shatters the stereotype that a man can only have a meaningful and fulfilling day outside the home. A stay-at-home dad contradicts the idea that a husband can’t or won’t enjoy spending time with his kids or that a dad has less to teach children than a mom does. It allows both parents the opportunity to thrive and help their kids thrive as well. The lessons a stay-at-home dad can teach their kids are different from those taught by a mom, but equally valuable.
The stereotype of a stay-at-home mom and an office-bound father are long gone and buried. In today’s society, stay-at-home dads who drive the kids to school and help with homework is the new norm.
Reference: http://BusinessTM.com/about/erik-cornella/
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