Times are changing. The modern dad is hands on – he can change a nappy (it isn’t rocket science). He can look after the kids so mum can get some much needed ‘me time’ or see their friends and drink gin.
The modern dad can cooks and clean. Why should the women be the only ones to endure soft-play and kids birthday parties? The focus these days is on compromise and what is fair – not old school gender stereotypes.
In the past the women stayed at home whilst the men ‘hit the pub’. The mentality was that the woman should ‘keep calm and carry on’.
I want my son to know that if he is ever lucky enough to be a dad that he has to embrace it. A hands on dad or male role model is a beautiful thing. It is natural no matter what ‘societal norms’ were established generations ago.
The traditional image of ‘dad’ is one of disciplinarian and provider. In my opinion it is no longer acceptable for the men to come home from work, give the kids a quick high five and fall onto the sofa with the remote and a beer.
As Prince William spoke about recently, these days more than anything a hands on dad is needed. The mental health statistics are frightening in young people. Our kids need all the support and positive role models they can get. It is all about finding balance.
My husband and I both love our family time but we also need our own time too – time to do simple things we took for granted before like go to the gym or for a haircut. If it was all one way we would become resentful.
Yes the little people come first. We can’t do everything we used to do. Life has changed and we have pretty massive responsibility now. All we need is a little compromise.
Big thumbs up to all the hands on parents and carers out there!
