Yesterday afternoon, I found myself home alone with my two kids, and for a few hours, I got a taste of what it’s like to be a single parent. Let’s just say, it didn’t go smoothly.
As soon as my partner walked through the door, I set down the baby and reached for the bourbon. I’ll admit it: I was drinking to escape—escape the chaos, the frantic moments, and the noise. Just a few hours of managing the kids alone was enough to reaffirm my commitment to my relationship for at least another decade.
Fortunately, I’m not a single parent, and neither is my partner. However, with a newborn in the mix, she’s been taking on a significant portion of the work. I’m sure there have been times when she’s felt like a single parent, but I try my best to lighten her load because I refuse to be that lazy dad from the past.
To those dads who aren’t pulling their weight, I’m talking to you!
I understand that not all fathers fit this mold. In fact, more men are stepping up and participating in parenting than ever before. However, there are still some dinosaurs out there who could use a push into the 21st century. Believe me, I hear from their partners all the time in my comments online.
It’s 2023—equality, feminism, and all that jazz. Dads who actively engage in parenting shouldn’t be viewed as superheroes; they should just be doing their part. On the flip side, those fathers who sit back and let their partners do everything? They are the real villains.
I’m a dad to a 3-month-old baby and a 5-year-old son, and I’m proud to say our family operates as a team. We support one another, and while the kids are pretty much useless at this age, my wife and I work together to make it through each day. This often means letting each other catch some much-needed rest.
Let’s be real: babies need to eat frequently. My little one is hungry every few hours, even in the dead of night. For a breastfeeding mom, that can feel like a relentless demand. If you’ve ever seen a baby and its mother, you know that feeding is just one small part of the equation. Babies want their moms, and moms adore their babies—but they also need a break. That’s where Dad comes in.
It’s not easy being the primary source of nourishment and comfort, so moms deserve their downtime. While I can’t breastfeed, I can certainly help by bottle-feeding so my partner can get some rest or even enjoy a night out. If our baby is willing to take a bottle and my partner is tired, I’ll say, “Sleep through! I’ve got the nighttime feeding covered!”
If her friends invite her out for a girls’ night, I encourage her to go. “I can manage the kids and their bedtime!” I’ll assure her. And if she’s in desperate need of a Saturday afternoon nap, I’ll say, “Go for it! I can handle the kids!”
Sure, my kids might prefer their mom—it’s common for her to take the favorite parent title—but that’s okay. Being her favorite partner is what matters. All we dads need to do is step up. It’s not the 1950s anymore, gentlemen.
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Summary
In a world where parenting responsibilities are increasingly shared, it’s crucial for fathers to step up and actively participate in their children’s lives. Dads should support their partners, share the workload, and embrace their roles as caregivers. By doing so, they can create a more harmonious family dynamic and foster a healthier relationship with their partners.
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