Fathers today are much different than our fathers were when we were kids. Now I am not speaking from everyone’s experiences, but for me and many of my friends this is true. The women stayed home and took care of the kids while the men went to work each day to provide for their families. But times have changed - take a look next time you are at the park, the pool, the shopping mall – many of the people there are men with their children.
My dad worked out of town a lot, so my mom was alone with my younger brother and I for large chunks of time. (My brother and I are only 17 months apart and I cannot imagine being home alone for a week with two children under 2). When I talk to my parents about what it was like, they both admit that my dad wasn’t super involved in the regular day-to-day caring activities - he for sure didn’t do too many diapers.
My dad did other things with us like take us for walks, play with us and anything else to give my mom a break, but she was our primary care giver. Ask many of your friends how much of an active part their fathers took in their childhood years? I am sure many would have similar stories.
I look now at how hands-on my husband is. We share the responsibility of caring for our son equally. He never hesitates to change a diaper, make a bottle or a meal and feels totally confident in his abilities. He takes our son out every day to play, go for a walk or shop just to give me a small break. I have left my boys alone numerous times for an evening out with the girls and even the odd overnighter and I never worry about how they are doing. The bond they share is amazing and I feel it is because my husband plays such an important role in caring for him.
Dads today want to play a more active role in their child’s upbringing and many fathers even do the paternity leave – which was never even a real option back when we were little. Times have changed and I feel for the better.
The question is though – why are dads today more involved? Is it because more moms are working? Is it because there has been some shift in roles? Or is it just because they want to? Whatever the reason is, I know that I am a much happier mommy because of all of the help I receive at home and we all know that a happy wife makes a happy life!
Guest Blogger: Erin Ryan
1 comments:
I'm a Single mom of 2 and I find your site very interesting. I hope I have much time each day to drop by and check your site for recent post.
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