With an ever-increasing number of mothers entering the workforce, there has come an ever-increasing number of stay-at-home fathers.  This stay-at-home fathering trend has prospered, in part, because of the declining American economy.  Many unemployed men, once the breadwinners of their households, have decided to make the most of the situation by assuming increased parental responsibilities which have been traditionally reserved for women, such as shopping, cooking, and housekeeping.

Unfortunately, being a stay-at-home dad exposes fathers to much discrimination.  As if that were not bad enough, there are several state and local laws and regulations which make it impossible to be a stay-at-home dad for those who fall into certain categories.  Men who are obligated to pay child support, for instance, might find that attempting to be a stay-at-home dad could even land them in jail. In most places, county Domestic Relations departments won’t even consider the prospect of allowing a man to become a stay-at-home father because these fathers would be unable to meet their child support payments.

Even those capable of being stay-at-home fathers face criticism.  The concept of allowing the woman to provide full financial support to a household is hard to grasp for many people.  A stay-at-home father might be saddled with feelings of inadequacy, viewing his position as an attack on his manhood.  Even good-natured ribbing from friends might contribute to this feeling of emasculation.  

Perhaps the discrimination shown toward stay-at-home dads from other women poses the most danger to a male’s sense of masculinity.  Some women may view stay-at-home dads as being too lazy to get a job, which may injure a father’s feeling of self-worth.  For most men, a strong work ethic and a willingness to provide for family are highly-admirable traits.  Until stay-at-home dads receive the societal respect which is afforded to stay-at-home mothers, a father’s sense of personal pride and “manliness” will be in jeopardy.

For fathers who are in the stay-at-home dad position, it is important to remember that being a parent is the most important role a human being can have.  There is no shame in preparing meals to provide sustenance to your loved ones, nor is there any shame in household duties such as cleaning or shopping or paying the bills.  These are important tasks which need to be done, and any man who can perform these tasks deserves the respect and admiration of other men, women, and society in general.