What does it mean to be a stay-at-home dad?

In the last decade, stay-at-home dads have increased significantly in the UK, and now 1 in 7 dads are the primary carer for their children. Yet this trend has only become socially and culturally acceptable in recent years, so there still remain many challenges to stay-at-home fathers.

Many stay-at-home dads can feel isolated as there are still far more stay-at-home mothers. They find other mothers, at toddler classes or the school gates, can be aloof and even suspicious of them as the only men. This makes it hard for stay-at-home dads to build up the same social networks that mothers can. Finding other young fathers to meet up with and talk about being a dad is a good idea to gain some support.

It is important that a stay-at-home dad still maintains a good relationship with the mother of his children. Some mothers may find it hard that they are no longer the primary carer and this can lead to arguments over who knows best how to bring up the children.

As the father is the one who spends most time with the children, they will be setting most rules. Both parents must agree on what rules to set for the children, such as what they are allowed to eat, and what time they go to bed. This helps avoid arguments over the childcare, and stops children preferring one partner, because they let them do certain things. Find out what other couples say about bringing up children (link).

Making time for one another is also important so parents can keep their relationship strong even though the child is their number one priority. Ask a friend or relative if they could look after the child for one evening a week so you can spend some time together.

What do you think about the growing trend of stay-at-home dads? Do you think they face more challenges than stay-at-home mums? Do you think being a stay-at-home dad can have a negative impact on your relationship ? Or do you think society’s attitude to parenting has not really changed?

In the last decade, stay-at-home dads have increased significantly in the UK, and now 1 in 7 dads are the primary carer for their children. Yet this trend has only become socially and culturally acceptable in recent years, so there still remain many challenges to stay-at-home fathers.

Many stay-at-home dads can feel isolated as there are still far more stay-at-home mothers. They find other mothers, at toddler classes or the school gates, can be aloof and even suspicious of them as the only men. This makes it hard for stay-at-home dads to build up the same social networks that mothers can. Finding other young fathers to meet up with and talk about being a dad is a good idea to gain some support.

It is important that a stay-at-home dad still maintains a good relationship with the mother of his children. Some mothers may find it hard that they are no longer the primary carer and this can lead to arguments over who knows best how to bring up the children.

As the father is the one who spends most time with the children, they will be setting most rules. Both parents must agree on what rules to set for the children, such as what they are allowed to eat, and what time they go to bed. This helps avoid arguments over the childcare, and stops children preferring one partner, because they let them do certain things. Find out what other couples say about bringing up children.

Making time for one another is also important so parents can keep their relationship strong even though the child is their number one priority. Ask a friend or relative if they could look after the child for one evening a week so you can spend some time together.

What do you think about the growing trend of stay-at-home dads? Do you think they face more challenges than stay-at-home mums? Do you think being a stay-at-home dad can have a negative impact on your relationship ? Or do you think society’s attitude to parenting has not really changed?