Stay-at-home Dads Face a Challenge
According to 2006 data from US Census Bureau, there were 143,000 stay-at-home dads on Father's Day two years ago, not including single parents, compared to 5.6 million stay-at-home moms.
That number has grown slightly in the last few years, the Associated Press reports, but then so has the number of moms.
Dads can decide to act as the primary carer for their children for a number of reasons, including finances, wanting to bond or because of single parenting.
However, the preponderance of mothers at nurseries, playgrounds and social events such as children's parties can make it an isolating and lonely experience for men.
The Associated Press spoke to Mike Biewenga, a stay-at-home dad for the last four years, who noticed that moms would sit further away from him during visits to a reading group at a local library.
"There was a gap, then me, then a gap, then the rest of the circle ... I mean, I shave, I comb my hair. I'm a normal-looking guy," he said.
Groups and websites have now been formed to help stay at home dads with their kids to network and share their stories, while moms are getting more used to seeing guys in the playground during the week.
And with increasing work pressures, the role of a stay at home day is becoming ever-more valuable.
A recent study from British children's charity the NSPCC found that 59 percent of fathers questioned believe their careers keep them away from their sons and daughters.
Stay-at-home fathers are still a rarity in the US compared to their female counterparts, but it is a growing trend both among single dads and those in a relationship.
Related Tags: stay at home dads, single parenting, fathers forum
Paul Banas is a founder of GreatDad.com. Discuss about planning a baby, sex life, spouse pregnancy, raising kids, child development, single parenting and other parenting related topics at his Fathers Forum section.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Miniman: Shopping for the Most Suitable Miniman Baby Clothing
Shopping for baby clothing can be quite difficult, especially if it is the parents' first time to h - New Study: Nearly 40% of Parents Can't Accurately Pinpoint Their Children's Weight
Childhood obesity is rising fast in many countries, and the results from a new study may point to on - Kids Learning And Coloring Pages - A Review
Coloring pages is one of the most favorite fun activities of children which not only entertains them - Where to Look Should You Need a Babysitter
Are you someone who has those last minute meetings that you simply cannot miss? If your job require - What to Do When You Find a Babysitter
You and your husband deserve a night out on the town. Raising children is hard work but most parent - Effective Parenting
Parenting is a vulnerable experience. Caring for children automatically makes us responsible and we - Overcoming the Jitters....helping Anxious Kids
Anyone who has experienced anxiety will know how debilitating it can be. For those with no persona - The Nigerian Child: Face to Face With Abuse
The streets are increasingly becoming the homes of children in Nigeria, such that if nothing is don - How to Handle Autism Anger in the Teenage Years
Teens with autism can sometimes be faced with behaviors - such as autism anger - which are beyond t - Spotlight on Autism Parents - Maintaining Balance in Your Other Relationships
Autism parents don't have it easy. You are faced with many more challenges than parents of childre
Most viewed articles in this category:
- The Perfect Parent...Who Are We Kidding?
I get the feeling that there are a lot of moms and dads out there that feel they're not measuring up - Partial Breastfeeding - Should I Even Bother?
For some women, feeding a baby with breastmilk alone is not possible. The reasons for this vary. For - Skateboarding In The Eighties To The Present
Skateboarding traces its roots to the seventies but it really reached the peak of its popularity in - How Breastfeeding Benefits A Daddy
You know that breastfeeding is best for mother and child, but what's in it for Dad? Isn't he going t - Child-Appropriate Costumes: Violence, Sexuality, And Insensitivity
So your daughter wants to be Wonder Woman for Hallowe'en, or your son wants to be Batman. They're bo - The Evolution Of Vitamin B5 For Acne
I came across the benefits of Vitamin B5 6 years ago whilst searching for an acne treatment that act - Depression And Teens - Six Signs That Your Child May Be Suffering From Depression
Most people are now aware of the seriousness of depression. This has become much more common and mor - Parenting Teenager - Take Time For Your Teen!
BookWire's "Year in Reviews Magazine," December 2006 issue, lists a review of my book "Help Me With - Why It's Important To Follow A Healthy Diet When Pregnant
Pregnancy is one of the most physically enduring times in our lives, and it is more important than e - Sleep Separation And Your Child
It seems harmless enough, lying down with your child while he goes to sleep, but it could be that sl
