The world is evolving in unimaginable ways. In this fast running era, we see a lot of new things happening, a growing number of men who prefer to stay at home and look after the kids and home, while their wives deal with the workload of an office, is just an example of that. This is not unusual in some countries because let's face it, some of us don't want to work a 9 to 5 job and like the cozy environment of a home. This doesn't make us any less of a man than you are. It is time you stop considering stay-at-home dads to be a rare specimen.
Many dads decide to quit their full-time jobs to do the father duties. Some to give their wives a chance at carrying on with their career, some dads just prefer to raise kids over working a job and some are doing the single dad thing so they have to manage kids as well as work. As I experienced, there are so many hurdles to face when we decide to do that daunting task of looking after a home and kids at the same time. Here are a few tips to make things a bit easy for all the stay-at-home dads out there.
1. Embrace the role
If you're taking the big plunge, you should embrace it fully. When somebody asks you questions like, 'what do you do?' Don't discard your real job role as a stay-at-home dad by telling them about your side job. There is nothing wrong in identifying as a SAHD, if you have decided to do it, own it and be proud of it. If you're an unapologetic stay at home dad, people will respect it and won't argue over it. So whether it was a financial move or a lifestyle change, chin up and let the world know you're a happy stay-at-home dad.
2. Choose the duties
So you have officially decided to become “stay-at-home dad," the next important step is to jot down the duties that you’ll be performing. If you have a partner, sit down with them and discuss what your respective roles will be, to avoid any conflicts in the future. Taking care of the kids is the main priority, sure but are you also taking care of the home? Like cooking, laundry and doing the rest of the household chores? It is always better to create a list before you have to nag with your partner.
3. Do what works, until it doesn’t
Parenting is a pretty tricky job, especially when you're a stay-at-home dad. You need to establish a routine that works for you and your child. It’s up to you to decide what to read them when they’re in their comfortable mattress ready for bed or when to schedule play dates. You have to keep being the dad and things will go just as smoothly. Involve the mom in the activities and let her know why you're doing things in a certain way, she'll know they're helping the kids because you're the one who is with them most of the day, so follow your own methods.
4. Build a support system
When you're spending 9-10 hours alone with your toddler you may end up feeling a bit isolated as a person. It is better to have a proper support system for all the stay-at-home parents, dads and moms alike. There's more to life than binge-watching Netflix shows when your baby is napping. Look up other stay-at-home parents in your area or create a group online, to get in touch with dads across the country. Such groups can help you share and get advice with other parents like you, especially, dads.
5. Take some "me" time
Yes, you're a stay-at-home dad who thinks his whole world revolves around his kids but do not forget you're a person who needs to do other things he loves as well. If you don't, you'll be swallowed up by your duties and it's not healthy for your or your kids. You need to do things that you love, such as; reading, working out, playing video games, basically anything that helps you relax. Because it's best for you and your family if you have a cooler head to focus on them.
The number of stay-at-home dads is increasing every day, so your experience isn't as rare as you'd think. Be happy with your family even if you're playing an alternative role the primitive society assigned you.
Being a cliché here, but time goes by too fast, and in the blink of an eye, your child will be a grown up and you'll be left reminiscing their first steps, or first day at school. So cherish every moment you have with them.
