I've been reading a lot lately about the rising number of dads who leave their jobs and act as the prime carer for their children whilst their wives go to work. According to reports there are now more 2 million UK dads living this life. Whilst it's great to see so many dads taking a hands on role in their children's upbringing it's not so great to read about the stigma attached to fathers who do so. I read about one dad who was accused of being emasculated live on daytime TV. Whilst I haven't personally experienced any similar accusations, it does make me wonder what some old and new friends think of me and my lifestyle. It was a lot easier to answer the question 'what do you do?'' when I had a job title and employer. I can empathise with the 'that's weird' view. Let's face it, society teaches us that the manly thing to do is go out and earn the money, not be at home changing nappies or doing school runs. I've also read about the loneliness and depression many at home dads feel. This I can definitely relate to. The biggest thing I miss from leaving full time employment is the daily social interaction I enjoyed with colleagues. Now there are some days when I don't have any real adult social interaction at all. But if I compare this to my previous lifestyle, leaving my son with a (brilliant) nanny before he wakes and occassionally getting home just in time to catch him still up, I realise how lucky I am. Now I am the biggest influence on my child. We have a fabulous relationship, share loads of experiences, do loads of things and laugh a lot . We do homework together, I get to every school sports match, event or production and take him to all of his after school activities and clubs. I am totally involved and able to influence and nurture him in a way many dads would like. I can't say I haven't experienced depression, questioned my self worth or worried about what others might think. Sometimes these emotions have lasted a long time and on one occasion I did seek professional help. I also acknowledge I may have to do so again. But today I'm happy being the luckiest dad in the world.
