1. How did you come into the role of being an at home dad?
Like so many others over the last year or so, I lost my job due to the economic downturn. As a result, my wife and I decided to let our nanny go and I took over the helm looking after my daughter.
2. What is the best part of being an at home dad?
The best part of being an at home dad is having this time to be with my daughter, to watch her grow from day-to-day and to play an active role in her growth and development. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience and one I am incredibly grateful for.
3. What is the most challenging part of being a stay at home dad?
For me the most challenging part of being an at home dad is finding time for yourself. Your own life, interests, work etc. kind of gets put to the side line. Also adapting to my child’s every changing food likes and dislikes. What worked one day does not work on another. It keeps me on my toes and is making me develop an ever expanding culinary repertoire.
4. Everyone has tips. What kind of tips or best practices can you share about being an at home dad?
One tip that has worked with me and my daughter is to turn an activity that she refuses to do into a something fun. For example: My daughter loves “Bath Time” and always used to refuse to get out of the tub, even when the water, bubbles and toys have all been drained. That’s when I created the exciting extravaganza called “Towel Time”, followed by spectacular “Pajama Time”! And that leads into the wonderful world of “Story Time”. A little song and dance act too can really help the process along….
5. How has being a part of a dads group helped support you in your role?
The dad’s group has been great. It has provided a great social and developmental venue for both my daughter and myself, along with the affirmation that you are not alone in this role as an at home dad. The activities and events have been so diverse and fun and it motivates you to get out of your neighborhood and do stuff you might not normally have considered. We live in one the best cities in the world with so much to offer, that I am glad this group takes full advantage of this.
6. How has being an at home dad affected how you feel about other stay at home parents?
It has certainly developed an appreciation for those who decide to stay home and raise their kids. It is a 7 day a week, sunrise to sundown often exhausting kid focused gig. I feel very fortunate to have had this time and opportunity to help my daughter develop, discover and explore the world around her.
7. At most events, you have your camera at the ready & capture some awesome intimate & candid moments. The dads in the group agree that you are a very talented photographer. I know you have considered children’s photography as a future career. Can you tell us more about your passion?
I have always had a passion for photography and would love to turn this passion into a viable career one day. Up until recently I had really focused my lens on shooting travel and nature as well as architecture and design. But since the birth of my daughter Samantha, I have been shooting and documenting her everyday moments, her growth and development. And since joining the Dad’s group, I have had a great opportunity to hone my skills at shooting candid portraits of our group. It’s been very rewarding to capture all our kids interaction with new activities, each other and to document involved fathers engaging in their children’s lives.
I would definitely like to pursue the children and family photo market and see where it takes me. For anyone who is interested in setting up a photo session for their family, I can arrange to set this up at affordable rates. Please feel free to contact me through my website: http://adamjefferyphotography.com
Thanks for my shot in the spotlight!
Fantastic Adam. Your photos are creative and engaging. Congratulations, it is a pleasure you are in our group and you do an excellent job in capturing such a special time in all of our lives.