Changing Perceptions of the Role of Full-Time Dads

September 16, 2010

The 21st century has seen advances in technology, science, medicine and more. One thing that traditionally hasn't changed, however, is the perception of the father's role in a child's life. Ask most people what a dad does, they may mention things like playing catch, being the family breadwinner, tackling household maintenance projects or mowing the lawn. When the phrase "primary caretaker" arises, few people equate that with a father.

As the Bob Dylan song goes, though, "the times, they are a-changin'." Fathers all around the country are choosing to raise their children while their wife or partner works outside the home. In fact, the percentage of dads becoming full-time caregivers is growing at nearly twice the rate of single mothers, and now around two million dads provide all or almost all of the day-to-day care for their children.

Part of the movement toward fathers taking a more active role in child-rearing has been motivated by the economy. With a global recession now stretching into its third year, and with men being laid off (or otherwise losing jobs) at about four times the rate of women, many families have no choice but to send their children to so-called "daddy daycare" to conserve funds. Oftentimes when men are acclimated to their new role as a full-time dad, they choose not to return to the work force.

Although some fathers have the stay-at-home decision essentially made for them by outside factors (like the economy), others are choosing to become more involved in their children's lives to enjoy a closer and more fruitful relationship. As the possibility that a dad will stay home to be a full-time parent becomes more likely, stereotypes are slowly being forgotten. The stigma once attached to having a father be the primary caregiver is, thankfully, changing -- more dads are playing the multi-faceted role usually reserved for moms. Dads are now also seen as the parents, cheerleaders, taxi drivers, supervisors, diaper-changers, house cleaners and dog walkers.

If you are a father, you need to realize how important your presence is to your child. Dads play an integral role in the development of a child's self-esteem, physicality, creativity and general happiness. A father's positive influence can follow the child outside of the home as well. For example, in the event of a divorce or timesharing dispute, family court judges are much more likely now than before to grant the majority of timesharing rights to a father who has a well-established, high-quality relationship with his child.

Article provided by Curtis R. Cowan PA
Visit us at www.curtcowanlaw.com