About Work-at-Home Dads

Working at home has become a popular option for mothers. Fathers, however, have been largely left out of the work-at-home trend. But with rampant unemployment and budget concerns, families often cannot afford childcare. More dads than ever before are choosing to stay at home with the kids while finding a way to make money in the process.Click here

Significance

In decades past, work-at-home dads were a rarity. Most were professionals such as writers or therapists who chose to work from a home office rather than using outside office space. Today, however, work-at-home dads have numerous career options. Some work for traditional employers but are able to bring some or all of their work home while others run their own home businesses. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were approximately 159,000 at-home dads in 2006. With the economy in a constant state of flux, that number is sure to increase in the years to come.

Benefits

Work-at-home dads are able to take an active role in the parenting of their children while still contributing to the family income. They can watch the children and work at the same time in many cases, reducing or eliminating the need for expensive childcare. They can also save money by not having to commute to and from work every day.

Misconceptions

Unfortunately, work-at-home dads are sometimes considered lazy by people who do not understand their situations. There's still a lingering stereotype that dictates that men must work outside the home and be the family breadwinners. Some believe that dads who stay at home are shirking their responsibilities, and they cannot be making a significant contribution to the household. These things could not be further from the truth. Men who work at home often make as much as or more than their wives who work outside the home, and even if they do not, they are making a difference in their children's lives by being there for them.

Considerations

For most men, becoming a work-at-home dad is a big change that warrants careful consideration. They must be willing to lear tno multi-task effectively, and they should be able to roll with the punches. It's also important to find a job or business in which they can work effectively with kids. Fathers of infants, for example, probably shouldn't work at a job that requires them to meet with clients in the home. Telecommuting is a much more workable option.

Effects

The growing prevalence of work-at-home dads has contributed to a shift in gender roles in modern society. Mothers have more freedom to pursue careers outside the home while their children are young. Now more than ever, fathers are allowed, and even expected, to participate heavily in the upbringing of their children. Although society as a whole still has some issues with work-at-home dads, their growing numbers are proving the validity of the concept. 

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