It’s time to get something off my chest. It’s a big something. It’s about the way men are viewed in society when it comes to parenting. Why is it that when men take care of their children, they are put up on a pedestal and praised for “helping”? Why can’t men just be parents like mothers are?

We’re still fighting for gender equality in our society. Women are still fighting for equal rights in the workplace, and it’s about time we address these issues. Traditionally, men were the breadwinners and women were the caretakers, and this meant men didn’t do things like “take care of the kids.” But, we should be farther along than we are.

My husband and I split our parenting duties during prime working hours from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On the weekends and evenings, we hang out together as a family. But during the weekdays, it’s one parent on six. I take the morning shift and my husband takes over at 12:30. He knows where all the kids’ school papers go and signs all their reading logs. He makes sure their lunch stuff gets put in the sink and washed for tomorrow. He feeds the baby and changes diapers and makes sure they clean up their toys before dinner so the house is somewhat tidy by the time the day is through, and then he cooks dinner. Though I appreciate all he does, it is not exceptional. It is called being a parent.

People are shocked that we split our parenting duties this way. “Must be nice to have a husband who helps like that,” they say. But, I wasn’t the only one who decided to have six kids. Of course, he’s going to help so I can work, too. What my husband understands is that I am a better mother because of my work. Not everyone is, and that’s okay. But, he gets that, and he’s happy to make sure I get to pursue a career.

When my husband is watching the kids so I can write essays, it’s not babysitting. When I go out with my friends, and he’s with the kids, that’s not babysitting. When he decides to bake chicken in the oven or organize some out-of-control papers or take the baby for a few hours while I get a little extra sleep, he’s not just “helping.” He’s parenting.

Friends and babysitters and full-time nannies help. Dads parent. It’s time to set that straight. Being a dad is not just about babysitting or helping. It’s about being a parent.

A Shift in Gender Roles

Over the years, there has been a shift in gender roles. More and more women are pursuing careers, and more and more men are taking on parenting duties. But, we still have a long way to go.

One of the biggest issues is the language we use. We often refer to men who take care of their children as “helpers” or “babysitters.” This language suggests that taking care of children is a woman’s job, and men are only doing it to help out. It’s time to change the language we use and acknowledge that men are parents, too.

It’s also important to acknowledge that parenting is hard work. It’s not just about playing with your children and having fun. It’s about making sure they are fed, clothed, and educated. It’s about keeping them safe and healthy. It’s about teaching them right from wrong and helping them navigate the world around them. Parenting is a full-time job, and it’s time we started treating it that way.

Men as Parents

It is sad that in our modern society, we still have to contend with gender bias and stereotypes that limit men’s roles as parents. The idea that men are only “helpers” or “babysitters” when taking care of their own children is outdated and harmful. It reinforces the traditional gender roles that keep women from advancing in their careers and restrict men’s involvement in their children’s lives.

Being a parent is a shared responsibility. While it may have been the norm in the past for mothers to do all the caregiving, that is no longer the case. Men are becoming more involved in raising their children, and that should be celebrated, not viewed as an exception to the rule. When men take care of their children, they are not doing their wives a favor; they are doing what every parent is expected to do.

It is vital to recognize that fathers’ involvement in their children’s lives has a positive impact on their development. Research shows that children who have involved fathers have higher self-esteem, better academic performance, and fewer behavioral problems. Moreover, fathers’ involvement in their children’s lives strengthens the father-child bond, leading to healthier and happier relationships.

Parenting is a team effort. Every parent has strengths and weaknesses. Some parents excel at taking care of the children’s daily needs, while others are better at organizing and managing their schedules. Recognizing each other’s strengths and weaknesses is essential to ensure that the children receive the best care possible.

It’s time to break free from the stereotypes and gender biases that limit men’s roles as parents. Men are not just “helpers” or “babysitters”; they are parents who share in the responsibility of raising their children. It is time to celebrate and support fathers who take an active role in their children’s lives. When fathers are involved in their children’s lives, everyone benefits. Children thrive, mothers have more opportunities to pursue their careers, and fathers have the chance to build meaningful relationships with their children.