My 7-year-old son has been copying more of what I’m doing lately, major and minor things. He’s been wanting to learn how to cook. He's started display his action figures the same way I do with my collection. He's also started beating me at checkers. I think its because he spends a lot more time than usual with me at home because of the coronavirus pandemic along with him being at an age where he observes and analyzes a lot more of what I do. In that way, it's a good thing. He is gaining a keen insight into the exciting world of being a stay-at-home dad. The drama. The intrigue. The … [Read more...]
Help Daughters Develop Strong Voices, Become Confident Women
Do you ever fear your home is too much of a haven from the “real world”? As a former stay-at-home dad of two daughters now approaching young adulthood, I sometimes wonder if our family bubble of gender equity has prepared them adequately for the larger culture’s reduced-but-still-entrenched sexism. Fortunately, What Girls Need, a new book by Marisa Porges, offers tips about how parents can serve as a bridge for their children between home and the larger world. While her tips are focused on raising daughters, many apply to raising sons as well. Her foundational advice is to help each girl … [Read more...]
Which Father Mows Best? The 3 Types of Yard Dads
Help! I just bought a lawn edger. I blame the pandemic, which has resulted in so many of us spending more time at home and in our yard. I’m requesting help because I’ve always associated lawn power tools with old-timey dads. Specifically, one of my childhood neighbor dads who would regularly spend hours perfecting his yard with a host of noisy contraptions. Am I becoming that dad? But I’m a new-timey dad who spent many years as an at-home caregiver! Maybe that doesn’t matter when it comes to yard work. Granted, I have seen a growing number of moms who mow their lawn. But dads seem to … [Read more...]
Gender Gap Closure, Increased Parenting Equality Dad Goals for Shut-In
Shame on all dads if this COVID-19 shut-in doesn’t forever close the gender gap with our wives in the battle for household-related equity. Let’s admit it: While today's dads help far more around the house than our fathers did – nearly three times as much -- most still are not doing their fair share. Women in the United States spend on average of 72 minutes more a day than men doing housework and performing childcare tasks, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic data. On any given day, 22% of men reported doing housework, such as cleaning or laundry, whereas 50% of women … [Read more...]
Don’t Be the Mom, Guys. Be a Dad as Only a Dad Can Be
Dads -- stop trying to be mom. There, I've said it. I can hear a whole lot of browsers closing right now, especially those used by you at-home dads. I feel those eyerolls. Who the hell is this guy? Is he trying to piss off everyone? Pretty much. But here's what I mean. Moms are awesome. I have one and I'm married to one. They are good Ford people, salt of the earth women who should be put up on pedestals. They should be celebrated and acknowledged for all the truly heroic things that they do. If you haven't called your mother in a while, then stop reading and do that. Moms worry … [Read more...]
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