I read a few parenting websites, magazines, and the occasional book about parenting. One trend I’ve noticed recently – there’s a real emphasis on Dads. Particularly stay-at-home Dads, or Dads-as-primary (or at least equal) caregiver. Two examples I’ve seen in the last few days: style blogs are blowing up with the launch of Kindling Quarterly, a new magazine about “exploring fatherhood”. And this “I’m Daddy and I Know It” video of a Utah Dad looking after his 5 kids (including triplets!) has gone viral on YouTube.
The magazine and the video seem unrelated (an uber-hip Brooklyn publication and a suburban Dad in a minivan) but they definitely have one thing in common – they’re unapologetic. They seem to say “Hey, we’re Dads, we’re proud, and we’re here to stay.” As Kindling Quarterly says, “men who are active caregivers are not a novelty.”
I LOVE this. I see more and more Dads on the playgrounds and at playgroups here in Leslieville, and in our house, parenting is a completely equal task. This is groundbreaking stuff for our generation, and modern Dads need our support and encouragement.
[image of Bill Cosby as Dr. Cliff Huxtable – one of the most awesome Dads ever (fictional, but still awesome)]
I’m glad that the cultural and media landscape is finally beginning to realize that “fatherhood” isn’t simply a fad. As a “modern-day father”, I always felt that I was being simplified to fit into either the “Doofus Dad” or “Mr. Mom” category. I will readily admit that I am both (posts on my site can testify to this fact). But I am also much more.
I cannot wait to see KQ take off.
Couldn’t agree with you more there, Mickey. I’m looking through your blog now – fantastic! Keep rockin’ fatherhood.