Yes, There Are a Few of Us
I really enjoyed Heather Michelle's article "Confessions of a Stay-at-Home Mom." I thought I would give a guy's perspective. As a stay-at-home daddy, some of my items are different spins on her "confessions," while others are original.1. The house is never as clean as I'd like it to be. Although it seems I would have all the time in the world to clean, that's not the case. While I usually have time to pick things up and put them away, I rarely have time to vacuum, dust, mop ... you know, actually clean stuff. I have one child (age 3) and I can't stick her in front of the TV for hours just to have a spotless house.
2. I usually don't take naps. Unless my wife has some free time from work, I am usually hopping from sunup to sundown. Even though I am stay-at-home, I'm not free from the pressure that is on every man to earn money. If I'm not cleaning, I had better be writing to earn a buck or two. If I'm really dragging, my wife will find a little time for me to snooze.
3. I do not have endless hours to play with my child. I wish I did. Since my daughter doesn't have siblings, I am her main playmate. Sometimes I can stop what I'm doing to play "Noah's Ark" or "Mary Poppins," but sometimes I have to tell her to wait.
4. I don't have any peers. Yes, I know there are other stay-at-home dads, but they are the exception. When I take my girl to the playground, it's almost all mommies. If I do see a guy there, I don't see him again. Mommies have a built-in support system that I don't have. What really drives me nuts are magazines like "Parents," which really should be called "Mommies," because it is completely geared toward women. As a stay-at-home daddy, I'm not concerned about my stretch marks!
Comments
Thanks, Dad from Baltimore! I'm humbled and honored that you're following my lead. I never regretted a moment I spent at home with our girl.
As a SA&WAHM I can feel everything you said in there. I do not think it could have been put any better. Wonderful article and bless you for doing what you do!
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11/13/2008
Congrats on taking such a big step to do something which most men cannot do. Taking care of a baby shouldn't be placed surely on a woman's shoulders. Men must take an active role ...to the point of daily participation in that child's life as well. I want you to know that you just inspired me right now to take at least 6 months off from work to raise my child when he's born.
I don't know when u will read this but I want you to know that today 11/13/08 you helped a man in Baltimore, MD make a very important decision for his child's future.
There are a lot of stay-at-home dads and your article makes people aware that it is not only not an anomaly but can be VARY good thing!
Nice, to read.
Great article. It is tough being a stay-at-home parent.
Great stuff. Sometimes it's hard being the one at home!
Ever thought about publishing your own magazine and gearing it towards SAHD's? Good to see someone that feels the same way I do on some points
That was a great article. I'm a stay at home mom and I also have to go through people, even my mate occasionally looking down on it. It was wonderful to see a man's point of view. I'm also glad that you are proud of what you do because you should be. Cudoos to you sir!
I am very proud to know that you have the hardest job and most important one. A stay at home dad. It is nothing to be ashamed of. It takes a big man for this job. It is full tiime work. Teach her well. I was very close with my father and he raised me. I was taught most everything by him. She will always be Daddys little girl. Even at age 40 you will still have that close bond. By the way the pic is precious! I am sincere when I tell you this. I voted you 5 stars. You deserve it!
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