Overcoming Stereotypes

It has been just over 2 years now since I worked outside the home. Unreal how fast time flies. I stopped working as soon as Isobel came into our lives and so however old she is, is the exact same time period I have been without a full-time job outside the home. The reason I say outside the home is because staying at home with 4 children is a job in itself.

So what are some of the stereotypes a stay at home dad has to deal with? There are quite a few but the new lifestyle is more easily accepted today than it was, oh say…. even 5 years ago. Being a Stay at Home Dad (SAHD) is on the rise, so much that, it is almost a “movement” here in America. Women are finding awesome jobs and men are marrying these women. I think it is great women are finally making it in this world and making it well. On the flip side, this means men have more of an opportunity to stay home and do those so-called motherly things.

I tell you right now it isn’t the same. Men just can’t start acting like moms. You’ll never see it happen! What you will witness is a new parenting style being implemented. There have been studies done and it is proven that children grow up to become better problem solvers when raised by their fathers. The reason being, fathers are less likely to nurture and sympathize with their children. Fathers tend to be more of the enforcer and demand good results. In turn, the children grow up learning to solve problems.

Of course most stereo-types involve the man not being competent enough to get a job, being a loser, or is feminine, etc. They may see a man who burns the food while cooking, or having problems changing a diaper. Thanks to Hollywood, these are some of the impressions of a stay at home dad “struggling” to get through the day. Just like in the picture below, it shows the dad chasing the child on the bike, as if the dad cannot keep things under control. Well, maybe in some cases but you will find those same people in the work place. In other words, there is no difference in men who work, than those who stay home. The BIGGEST difference, and almost 90% of all Stay at Home Dads are in this position for 2 reasons:

1) Their wife makes more money than them, and
2) Both parents agree strongly against sending their kids to childcare.

Being categorized under false stereo-types still do affect you from time to time. Like taking the kids to the park or out somewhere. People look at you as if you had 4 heads. And it can seem even more crazy when you have 4 kids as opposed to just 1 or even 2.

4 kids and a dad staying at home is, well let’s admit it…. NOT normal at all. But let’s not be fooled. It is on the rise. Having 4 kids 50 years ago was part of the norm, now it is absolute insanity. Ok so maybe I am a little old fashioned, but it comes down to one thing… I just love kids no matter how many there are. And how old fashioned is having a dad stay at home, anyways? It is the most modern way. So let’s burn those stereo-types please.

So, overcoming the stereo-types is a huge part of being a stay at home dad in this day and age. So is doing laundry, doing dishes, cooking, vacuuming, changing diapers, potty training, and getting the kids dressed in the morning. Once this is mastered you can begin to understand that it isn’t what you are doing that is the issue, but rather HOW you do it. Your style is important, and most importantly living to the fullest. These are accomplished through How you structure and act throughout the day…

Some of you may be interested in the lifestyle, and you should, because by all means, it isn’t exactly normal, AND this is the first time in history that this is acceptable.

Copyright© Steven Remington