There’s been a huge spike in the number of SAHDs (stay-at-home-dads, for those not in the know). From 2003-2006, the number actually rose a full 62%–that’s really high! And this was before the current tsunami of layoffs. I’d be so curious to see what that number is now.
Jumping on the trend, yesterday The Today Show featured a segment called “The New Face of Mr. Mom.” Some good stuff, but my question is this: When will a SAHD become something other than a “Mr. Mom”? You can watch the video here and see what you think (and let me know!):
Comments
Lydia — January 29, 2009
A few years ago I started grad school and my spouse became a stay-at-home dad. Something we have both found disconcerting is just how much attention he gets as an "exceptional father" because he is doing this. [Like when the above father was introduced to the playgroup as "we have a daddy with us!"]. The same response does not happen for a woman who chooses to stay at home and may have made the same sacrifices to do so. The problem is that our society does not expect fathers to take such an active role in parenting, despite what strides we have made. The fact that the title for this piece was the new "Mr. Mom" shows how much parenting is associated with women in our society.
I also question the psychologist's advice to be on the job hunt. This assumes that the choice is temporary and out of necessity, and not a valid choice for fathers to make just because they want to or feel it will be good for their children. When I began grad school, my spouse's family kept asking him if he was looking for a job to help support me, until I finally said to them that if our roles were reversed, everyone would be supportive of me choosing to stay at home without the need to look for other employment. Obviously "mother"work is still undervalued in our society (unless a man is doing it, and then he's a good man).
Jess — February 1, 2009
I feel that it doesn't matter which parent stays home with the kids if you are able to have a parent home with the kids as they are growing that is so much better than having to put them in a daycare. It doesn't matter whether it is dad or mom just as all as one of them is there to teach the kids.
michelle meaders — February 1, 2009
62% of what? We have no idea how many there were or are. I suspect it was a very small number.
No mention of other housework, which usually goes along with being a stay-at home.
No mention by the men of the satisfactions of raising a child.
gwp_admin — February 2, 2009
Michelle: good question, and I want to find out. Jess, I'm with you. And Lydia, thank you for sharing your story! I'd like to make it into a post...quoting you, of course :) Stay tuned...