In the realm of parenting, stereotypes about fatherhood still linger, even in 2023. But when writer and dad Jake Thompson stumbled upon shirts for fathers with daughters adorned with cringeworthy phrases like, “Shoot the first one and the word will spread,” or “It’s just locker room talk,” he didn’t just shake his head. Instead, he took action. Thompson launched a collection of shirts aimed at dismantling these outdated notions, branding them under Everyday Girl Dad. Get ready to empty your wallet because you’ll want one for every guy in your life.
Thompson shares with Home Insemination Kit that his bond with his daughters, 7-year-old Mia and 5-year-old Zoe, defies conventional norms. Their relationship inspired the creation of his shirts. “The stereotype of dads versus dates isn’t at all what defines my connection with my daughters,” he says. “I see my girls as fiercely independent and already role models in their own right. My hope is that these shirts convey the message that men can also look up to women.”
Furthermore, Thompson emphasizes that wearing his shirts doesn’t mean he’s oblivious to parental concerns. “Just because I wear these messages doesn’t mean I’m not protective or worried about their futures,” he explains. “It simply means I aim to nurture our relationship in a way that doesn’t involve threats or displays of power.” His shirts effectively highlight the distinction between respecting a daughter’s autonomy and treating her like property.
Beyond empowering girls and women, Thompson aspires for his shirts to encourage men and boys to reconsider traditional masculinity. “I’m acutely aware of the challenges girls face growing up, but I’m also familiar with the restrictive boxes we place on boys,” he states. “Masculinity can be diverse; it can encompass crying, wearing dresses, or painting nails, just as much as it can involve sports.”
Apart from being bold fashion statements, Thompson dreams of one day channeling profits from his shirts into organizations that align with his values. “Once I cover my costs, I hope to donate proceeds to groups that promote healthier masculinity or support victims of sexual assault,” he shares. “I’m not a fundraising expert or fashion designer, but I’d love to lend a hand to those in need.”
One shirt, in particular, always elicits reactions from onlookers. “The Dad Who Cries When Bing Bong Dies” shirt has garnered a positive response, thanks to its reference to the heart-wrenching Pixar film, Inside Out.
Thompson aims for his shirts to inspire other fathers to embrace their masculinity while parenting their daughters in diverse ways, moving beyond the stereotypical protector role. “Share your experiences of science projects, reading books, or jumping into leaf piles. It’s these moments, not the rejection of them, that define what it means to be a man.”
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In summary, Jake Thompson’s Everyday Girl Dad shirts challenge outdated fatherhood stereotypes while promoting a more inclusive view of masculinity. These shirts inspire dads to build meaningful relationships with their daughters, encouraging a shift away from traditional roles.