Research HELP!!! Greatly appreciated.....

[Anonymous]

It’s understood that I am completely out of my territory, seeing as how I am a female on a website completely devoted to stay-at-home fathers. However, I am a student at Ball State University located in Muncie, Indiana gathering research on stay-at-home fathers. I am doing this research for my 104 English class in order to better understand why fathers decide to become stay-at-home parents. Please take the time to answer just a few questions. Your replies will be used in our gathering of research and could possibly be quoted in our finished paper, however, all replies will be posted under a pseudonym and your screen names will not be disclosed. Thanks you so much for your help! Please note: if you do not feel comfortable posting your responses on the website feel free to e-mail me at: fcsgirl09@yahoo.com
Questions:
Feel free to answer as many questions as you feel comfortable with.
Once again, thanks so much.

1.) What prompted you to decide to become a stay-at-home father?
2.) Do you sometimes regret becoming a stay-at-home father? Why or why not?
3.) Has having only one source of income became a factor within the household?
4.) Do you currently work form home or run a business within the home?
5.) Are currently contributing financially to the household?
6.) Why or why not is it important that you obtain some sort of employment either outside or within the home?
7.) Society generally views the male of the household being the primary “breadwinner,” do you feel that you should obtain some sort of income for the household? Why or why not?
8.) Primary childcare has been known to be the “woman’s job,” how do you feel about taking on the responsibilities as a man?
9.) Have you ever felt discriminated against by male friends who aren’t stay-at-home dads?
10.) Did your background as a child influence your decision to become a stay-at-home dad?
11.) Has becoming a stay-at-home dad made you feel as though you were less of a man? Why or why not?
12.) How has becoming a stay-at-home parent changed your relationship with members of your family and your outlook on family life?
13.) Overall as your job as a stay-at-home father personally fulfilling?

[jeffus]

Thanks you so much for your help! :D

[jeffus]

3.) Has having only one source of income became a factor within the household?

bacame or become, whatever.....

[jeffus]

4.) Do you currently work form home or run a business within the home?

form, from - uh what's the difference.....whatever! :D

[jeffus]

Sorry, I'm just a pain in the butt and I don't use a curve for grading..... :D And I submit that proof-reading is useful. :wink:

OK...enough fooling around...
1. Laid-off mechanical engineer, - refer to anything "Made in China"
2. Did in the beginning. Missed work, money, co-workers.
3. Not really. 2nd income would've disappeared to pay daycare. Marginal returns.
4. A very small business that keeps me current in my field & buys some 'big-boy-toys'.
5. No, I'm a net loss. But a moral plus.
6. Employment = money = food, what's leftover is fun.
7. Feels better making a few bucks, but more importantly, everyone is much happier with me/someone at home.
8. Really...
9. Don't get me started....
10. Not at all. Didn't realize the mommies didn't want to play.
11. Much, much, more the man. I have attoned for my sins.
12. I can relate with my mom so much more..... :D
13. Yup!

Do I get a coupon for a dozen donuts or something?! Free baby wipes?! :shock: Anything!?.... :D

[Indy]

1.) What prompted you to decide to become a stay-at-home father?
My mother stayed home with my brother and I and I saw the benefits of that. My wife and I were both of the same mind (her mom stayed home as well). We felt it important that our children be raised by a family member, rather than a stranger.

2.) Do you sometimes regret becoming a stay-at-home father? Why or why not?
Nope. To me, there's more to life than money. Sure, we sacrifice some luxuries, but I know my children will benefit.

3.) Has having only one source of income became a factor within the household?
Things can get tight financially, but it's never been a source of friction between my wife and I.

4.) Do you currently work form home or run a business within the home?
Yes, I run a few businesses from home.

5.) Are currently contributing financially to the household?
I do when it is needed, but the primary purpose of my businesses is as an investment.

6.) Why or why not is it important that you obtain some sort of employment either outside or within the home?
Honestly, I can make more working for myself.

7.) Society generally views the male of the household being the primary “breadwinner,” do you feel that you should obtain some sort of income for the household? Why or why not?
No. In my opinion, society can either respect my decision or piss up a rope.

8.) Primary childcare has been known to be the “woman’s job,” how do you feel about taking on the responsibilities as a man?
I value the opportunity to be close to my children. Unconditional love from a toddler is a wonderful thing. It has always been my opinion that childcare is the responsibility of both parents.

9.) Have you ever felt discriminated against by male friends who aren’t stay-at-home dads?
Not really, but then I'm not an overly sensitive person, either.

10.) Did your background as a child influence your decision to become a stay-at-home dad?
Yes.

11.) Has becoming a stay-at-home dad made you feel as though you were less of a man? Why or why not?
Nope, my genitalia is still intact, therefor I am still a man.

12.) How has becoming a stay-at-home parent changed your relationship with members of your family and your outlook on family life?
As cliche as it sounds, having a child changes you. It introduces you to a path in life that you may have never known was there.

13.) Overall as your job as a stay-at-home father personally fulfilling?
Yes.

[SGTDad]

1.) What prompted you to decide to become a stay-at-home father?
My wife and I were both active duty military when we met. We decided early that once we got married, once of us should quit and go to the reserve, and that was me. She's an officer, I was enlisted, so she earned about 2-3 times what I did. Since we move a lot being military, I worked a lot of part-time jobs until our first was born.


2.) Do you sometimes regret becoming a stay-at-home father? Why or why not?
Not so much regret, but I do get burned out. It is a huge adjustment, especially for your social life, but the benefits more than outweigh the problems.


3.) Has having only one source of income became a factor within the household?
Not really. We've had to make adjustments. When we were DINKS we never worried about money at all and just bought whatever we wanted. Now we have plan and watch things more closely, which is actually better because we had gotten lazy and irresponsible when we were DINKS.

4.) Do you currently work form home or run a business within the home?
No, but I'm still a reservist in the military, so I do that once a month.

5.) Are currently contributing financially to the household?
Not really. My reserve job is in another state, and I don't get paid travel, so I break even right now on my reserve job. I did deploy to Afghanistan last year though, which brought in a big chunk of change, and will probably go to Iraq for a month or two next year.

6.) Why or why not is it important that you obtain some sort of employment either outside or within the home?
The number one thing for me is for my sanity. I love my military job and it's become an important mental break from being a SAHD for me. Since I don't have any local friends, it's also my social life and allows me to have the feeling that I'm contributing to something else besides my kids.

7.) Society generally views the male of the household being the primary “breadwinner,” do you feel that you should obtain some sort of income for the household? Why or why not?
I'm not sure your premise is true anymore. Sure, there are still many who feel that way, but I don't think it's as prevalent in society as you indicate. In any event, no, I don't feel I need to bring some income into the household. But that's because my wife makes enough for us to live comfortably. If we were struggling, then I'd feel a lot of pressure.

8.) Primary childcare has been known to be the “woman’s job,” how do you feel about taking on the responsibilities as a man?
Again, I don't really like the wording of your question. Gender roles have changed dramatically in the last 100 years. It really comes down to attitude. If your attitude is "that is women's work" then you won't last long as a SAHD. That's why no SAHD's have that attitude.

9.) Have you ever felt discriminated against by male friends who aren’t stay-at-home dads?
Not that I know of. If they have private biases, then they are respectful enough to keep the private.

10.) Did your background as a child influence your decision to become a stay-at-home dad?
Probably. I was raised solo by my Mom for most of my life, who had to work much of the time. My parents when through a nasty divorce, so I've always been determined to have a good marraige and raise my kids so they don't go through what I did.

11.) Has becoming a stay-at-home dad made you feel as though you were less of a man? Why or why not?
Not really. Again, it's a question of one's attitude. Those that think SAHD's are less manly are those who are not, and will not, become SAHD's. The only way I feel less manly is because it's much more difficult for me to regularly exercise now, so I've gained about 20 pounds. I think my wife wants her skinny husband back though, because she's making time now for me to get to the gym.

12.) How has becoming a stay-at-home parent changed your relationship with members of your family and your outlook on family life?
I don't think it changed things much. Actually, I think I'm closer to my oldest brother now - we're the only two kids who have had kids. As for my outlook, I now realize that raising kids is as hard a job as any. I've done some crazy things in the military, but being a SAHD is certainly the most challenging thing I've done. Most people consider that work always has some monetary benefit. Raising your kids often doesn't, but that doesn't make it any less rewarding or worth doing. It comes back to that attitude concept I keep harping! :)

13.) Overall as your job as a stay-at-home father personally fulfilling?
Yes, but like anything else, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. It's definitely fulfilling work, but everyone needs outlets and other things to do as well. Unlike most other jobs, this one often doesn't have a start and stop time - it's a 24/7 job. It's easy to get sucked into it and have it rule your life to the detriment of your physical and mental health. But yes, it's very rewarding and has been worth all the sacrifices in other areas of my life that I've made.

[Math Daddy]

1.) What prompted you to decide to become a stay-at-home father?

My son had reconstructive skull surgery when he was 6 months old (June 2005), so he couldn't enter daycare until 1 year post-op. My wife's job was better-paying. I got elected to stay home.

2.) Do you sometimes regret becoming a stay-at-home father? Why or why not?

I can't say I regret it, but I do miss the job I had. (Middle school math teacher.) Even though I'd only been there a year, I apparently made a huge impact on several students, who now miss me terribly. (Or so they say when I drop in to visit.)

3.) Has having only one source of income became a factor within the household?

Yes. I have spent the last year teaching a couple of night classes at the local community college to help bring in some money. However, I will have to return to full-time work in the fall, ending my time as a SAHD. There is no other option for us; as we are both teachers (wife teaches math at the community college, I teach math at secondary level), one salary just will not cut it.

4.) Do you currently work form home or run a business within the home?

I am raising a very active 15 month ol dboy. So yes, I work from home.


5.) Are currently contributing financially to the household?

Previously answered, but yes. I teach a Basic Algebra class at the community college.


6.) Why or why not is it important that you obtain some sort of employment either outside or within the home?

See Question 3.

7.) Society generally views the male of the household being the primary “breadwinner,” do you feel that you should obtain some sort of income for the household? Why or why not?

Hmm...a rather complicated question. I try to bring in some money because we need it, not because I feel the urge to justify myself to society. I have never cared about societal norms or the status quo; I do what needs to be done. For all I care, people who view males only as the breadwinner and females only as the caregiver need to return to the Stone Age, since that's the last time this was really appropriate.

8.) Primary childcare has been known to be the “woman’s job,” how do you feel about taking on the responsibilities as a man?

Hasn't bothered me at all. After all, he IS my child, too. (Can't deny him, no matter how hard I try. He's already developing a personality that matches mine. Sigh.)

9.) Have you ever felt discriminated against by male friends who aren’t stay-at-home dads?

Well, I only have a few male friends (two, at last count, plus several acquaintances), and they were utterly supportive and completely jealous of me, believe it or not.

10.) Did your background as a child influence your decision to become a stay-at-home dad?

Nope. Like I said, I didn't have a choice in the matter. However, my background as a child is influencing my parenting. My father never was, and still isn't, the type of man who believes in hugging or praising his son, even though I know how proud he is of me. I decided that my son will never have to wonder how much Daddy loves him.

11.) Has becoming a stay-at-home dad made you feel as though you were less of a man? Why or why not?

Actually, I'd say I'm more of a man. (Insert arrogant chest-thumping here.) One of the dads on here has a signature that says it all (I can't remember whose, sorry): Any man can be a father. It takes a real man to be a daddy. (Paraphrased, I know.) When I look at my former students and see how many of them had no male influence in their lives, or poor male influence at best, I feel definite gladness and pride that I'm getting the chance to teach my son, to help him develop and grow.

12.) How has becoming a stay-at-home parent changed your relationship with members of your family and your outlook on family life?

Sort of. My family still can't believe that I'm taking care of Si. They were all raised with the stereotypical "dad works and mom stays home" mentality. They're supportive of me, but they don't always comprehend what I'm doing, I think. My outlook on family life hasn't changed at all. If anything, I've learned a great deal about raising a child, and how every little thing we do can have an effect on them. My former principal commented on how watching my son made her feel like she was watching a miniature version of me, down to the facial expressions he made and the way he raises one eyebrow if he's curious.

13.) Overall as your job as a stay-at-home father personally fulfilling?

Absolutely. I have been many things in my life...husband, brother, best friend, mentor, beloved teacher...but all of those (with the exception of husband) pale in comparison to being Daddy.

Completely off-topic here: my uncle works at Ball State, and his daughter goes to school there. She's part of some sorority; not sure which one. I've visited them in Muncie a few times, most recently 7 years ago. He and I went driving at 1 in the morning to find donuts for our wives. I think I've been down every street in Muncie, although mainly in the wee hours of the morning.

[floridamcmarion1]

1.) What prompted you to decide to become a stay-at-home father?

It was a decision made by my wife and I. We had the idea at least a year before it actually became a reality. We have 4 kids, including 2 special needs and one toddler, and they really need one of us to be at home. My wife is the major money maker, not to mention her amazing benefits (which include a free house and utilities), so the decision was easy as to who should stay home.

2.) Do you sometimes regret becoming a stay-at-home father? Why or why not?

Yes and no. When I have not gotten any private time in weeks I really would like to go to work and get a break. However, once I get a brief break I know I made the right choice.

3.) Has having only one source of income became a factor within the household?

Yes. We have to be more aware of our spending since we don't have two incomes anymore.

4.) Do you currently work form home or run a business within the home?

No.

5.) Are currently contributing financially to the household?

No.

6.) Why or why not is it important that you obtain some sort of employment either outside or within the home?

My job is to take care of the family and the house. Doing a paying job of any kind would take away from my ability to do my primary job. With my 4 kids I really don't have time to do anything else.

7.) Society generally views the male of the household being the primary “breadwinner,” do you feel that you should obtain some sort of income for the household? Why or why not?

No. My marriage is a partnership. We each do our part to contribute to the family. If I didn't do my job my our family would be in chaos, the same as if my wife didn't do her job and make money for the family.

8.) Primary childcare has been known to be the “woman’s job,” how do you feel about taking on the responsibilities as a man?

The old view is exactly that, an old and outdated view. Primary childcare is a parent's job. I'm a parent, so I qualify.

9.) Have you ever felt discriminated against by male friends who aren’t stay-at-home dads?

Not exactly discriminated, but misunderstood. Really competitive men can't seem to understand why I would want to do it.

10.) Did your background as a child influence your decision to become a stay-at-home dad?

Somewhat. I had a really crappy childhood and wanted to make sure my kids experienced better parenting than I did.

11.) Has becoming a stay-at-home dad made you feel as though you were less of a man? Why or why not?

No. Being a man means you step up to the plate and do what is needed to take care of your family. I'm doing exactly that.

12.) How has becoming a stay-at-home parent changed your relationship with members of your family and your outlook on family life?

My brother comes to me quite a bit for parenting advice now. My mother brags constantly about me. It seems to annoy my mother-in-law, but anything that annoys her is a good thing. :D

13.) Overall as your job as a stay-at-home father personally fulfilling?

Yes. What can be more satisfying than being there for all of the big moments in your child's life? I am, and probably will always be, the parent my youngest daughter goes to when in need. I'm her favorite snuggle partner and her favorite toy. What could be better than that?

[Remington]

1.) What prompted you to decide to become a stay-at-home father?
Wife makes over $90,000 per year combined with I would rather raise my own children than someone else.

2.) Do you sometimes regret becoming a stay-at-home father? Why or why not?
Nope. Ok I did once when I first became a SAHD and realized it was harder than the job I just quit. Then I got pooped on...

3.) Has having only one source of income became a factor within the household?
yep

4.) Do you currently work form home or run a business within the home?
yep

5.) Are currently contributing financially to the household?
yep

6.) Why or why not is it important that you obtain some sort of employment either outside or within the home?
It's not. I just am securing my future when the kids get into school and eventually leave home. I also get to do what I love for a job because income is not my primary reason for it, therefore I am much happier.

7.) Society generally views the male of the household being the primary “breadwinner,” do you feel that you should obtain some sort of income for the household? Why or why not?
I think one person should stay home with the children. It should be a mutual decision who. If I made more money than my wife then she would have stayed home, not me.

8.) Primary childcare has been known to be the “woman’s job,” how do you feel about taking on the responsibilities as a man?
I think it's pretty cool. I can fix the leaky focet or maintain the home a lot easier. When I was working it was harder to get to those projects.

9.) Have you ever felt discriminated against by male friends who aren’t stay-at-home dads?
Oh yea, most think I am nuts.

10.) Did your background as a child influence your decision to become a stay-at-home dad?
Nope

11.) Has becoming a stay-at-home dad made you feel as though you were less of a man? Why or why not?
Nope. I feel like more of a man by setting aside prideful stereotpyes and overcoming them so I can do what is best for my family.

12.) How has becoming a stay-at-home parent changed your relationship with members of your family and your outlook on family life?
Family members continue to view me as nuts. My outlook on family is more realistic than prior to being a SAHD.

13.) Overall, is being a stay-at-home father personally fulfilling?
Absolutely!! I get to see my children take their first steps. That is very fulfilling!!

[Anonymous]

1.) What prompted you to decide to become a stay-at-home father? My wife had a better, more stable, and better paying job than I did. We talked about it and thought that I would leave my job and stay home. When we found out my retail store was closing and I was losing my job around the same time she had to go back to work, that cinched the deal.
2.) Do you sometimes regret becoming a stay-at-home father? Why or why not?
No, not at all. If I was still working in my former field (retail) I would be missing a lot of time with my son.
3.) Has having only one source of income became a factor within the household?
A little. You lose (at least in our case) some of the luxuries you had with two incomes. An example: when my wife had an auto accident, and we lost her car, we made a decision to not get a new one; while we could afford one, it would have put a strain on our monthly budget so we put it on hold. I sacrifice the ability to get up and go on a whim, but we make do with one.
4.) Do you currently work form home or run a business within the home?
I do some typing/transcription on the side, but I am working on a business plan to start one or two small ones.
5.) Are currently contributing financially to the household?
Not really, the typing I do (#4) brings in very little, sporadically, so I use that as my "cash" (for gas, etc.)
6.) Why or why not is it important that you obtain some sort of employment either outside or within the home?
I think the overall answer is individual and depends on each family's situation. For me, I can answer both as this: Important-Finding employment at a later date is harder as your unemployment history gap widens. Unimporatant-As long as it is affordable with one income, the family time gained from not working outweighs the negative (I would have to work evenings/weekends, which is when my wife is home).
7.) Society generally views the male of the household being the primary “breadwinner,” do you feel that you should obtain some sort of income for the household? Why or why not?
While I would like to be able to contribute, and make it easier to have some of the luxuries that we can't afford now, I don't feel that I have to. A funny note, growing up I always joked that if I married a woman that could take care of us financially, I would stay home and raise the kids.
8.) Primary childcare has been known to be the “woman’s job,” how do you feel about taking on the responsibilities as a man?
In my experience, I've actually beome more nurturing the longer I've been home. I think as far as the child goes he/she will bond with whomever is the primary caregiver is. That's not to say there aren't times the child wants "mommy".
9.) Have you ever felt discriminated against by male friends who aren’t stay-at-home dads?
No, they have been very receptive to the idea. For some I think there is a little bit of envy.
10.) Did your background as a child influence your decision to become a stay-at-home dad?
Only in the sense that I have always been and will always be a child at heart (see my screen name). I like to have fun, make funny noises, and goof around. I was a daycare/then latchkey child so that may have some influence on me feeling that it is important that one of the parents stay home.
11.) Has becoming a stay-at-home dad made you feel as though you were less of a man? Why or why not?
No, it just makes you realize how much work is actually involved in childcare. As I said in #8, I've become more nurturing, but I don't feel that I'm any less of a man.
12.) How has becoming a stay-at-home parent changed your relationship with members of your family and your outlook on family life?
I've been able to see what my sister went through as a work from home mom. I've also been able to see why some parents raise their kids the way they do, it's all an individual way of life/each family is different.
13.) Overall as your job as a stay-at-home father personally fulfilling
So far it has been, but the true answer won't be until my son grows up.

Hope this helps.

[LooneyToonDad]

The previous post was from LooneyToonDad.
I thought I was logged in but it didn't show.

[bsu09]

BIG THANKS!!!!!!!
Thank you so much for posting your replies, the are all greatly appreciated and will be useful. Although my research isn't complete yet, so keep the responses rolling in.
~~Thanks~~

[silviomossa]

1.) What prompted you to decide to become a stay-at-home father?

In order of importance:
My wife's income was greater, my temperment is better to raising kids at home, and her career was just beginning while I had been working for nine years in mine.

2.) Do you sometimes regret becoming a stay-at-home father? Why or why not?

No. I'm just not prone to regretting my decisions, and to trying new things.

3.) Has having only one source of income became a factor within the household?

Not particularly. Since my wife wasn't working prior to this (she was just finishing school), our income never went down.

4.) Do you currently work form home or run a business within the home?

No.

5.) Are currently contributing financially to the household?

No.

6.) Why or why not is it important that you obtain some sort of employment either outside or within the home?

It isn't, because it isn't necessary for our financial well-being.

7.) Society generally views the male of the household being the primary “breadwinner,” do you feel that you should obtain some sort of income for the household? Why or why not?

No. Society has a lot of views that I don't respect. Assigning the breadwinner role to a particular gender (and making many other distinctions based upon gender) is one of them.

8.) Primary childcare has been known to be the “woman’s job,” how do you feel about taking on the responsibilities as a man?

I feel fine.

9.) Have you ever felt discriminated against by male friends who aren’t stay-at-home dads?

No.

10.) Did your background as a child influence your decision to become a stay-at-home dad?

No.

11.) Has becoming a stay-at-home dad made you feel as though you were less of a man? Why or why not?

Don't be ridiculous. Yes, I understand that this is a research process. If an individual asked me this question in person, keep in mind, that I'd laugh in his/her face at such an absurd notion.

12.) How has becoming a stay-at-home parent changed your relationship with members of your family and your outlook on family life?

Yes, but it's hard to quantify, as I took this role very shortly after my first child was born. With several changes happening at once, it's hard to assign my current views to this or that specific thing.

13.) Overall as your job as a stay-at-home father personally fulfilling?

But of course.


And finally, a question for you, BSU09.....

Would you be so good as to share your research paper when you are finished, perhaps posting it on the board? I'm sure that it would be valued, and as a former English teacher myself, I would certainly enjoy seeing what the kids (which I know you aren't, but I'm 38, so give me that one) are writing these days. Thanks.

[jeffus]

Good suggestion! Please post the finished paper!

[Patrickz]

1.) What prompted you to decide to become a stay-at-home father?
My wife and I had really decided early that I was going to stay home with the kids and take care of the house hold chores. I had been single for sometime before we met and got married so I guess we just decided that I would be better at it. Also I had already had a couple of work experiences and was not enjoying them very much. She also had the health insurance and better pay.

2.) Do you sometimes regret becoming a stay-at-home father? Why or why not?
I think we all have are doubts at some point or another but on a whole this is by far the best job I have had. I feel really plugged in to my family. I do however miss having lots of friends as now it is pretty limited to the guys on this site and thank god for Don in starting it.!

3.) Has having only one source of income became a factor within the household?
Yes! I have to watch what I spend and think about it as what is best for the family. So not to many toys for me!

4.) Do you currently work form home or run a business within the home?
I have a small contracting business that I fun on the weekends for extra cash. I am a skilled builder and landscaper and have lots and lots of tools that I have collected through out my life. A good excuse to put them to work as well as my truck.

5.) Are currently contributing financially to the household?
Yes as there is no daycare bill and the weekends are brining in some cash.

6.) Why or why not is it important that you obtain some sort of employment either outside or within the home?
I need it to stay sane and keep my adult communication skills up.

7.) Society generally views the male of the household being the primary “breadwinner,” do you feel that you should obtain some sort of income for the household? Why or why not?
If you are talking money then no but if you are talking just general value to the home then I would say yes as other wise I am just dead weight to our family.

8.) Primary childcare has been known to be the “woman’s job,” how do you feel about taking on the responsibilities as a man?
I feel very blessed to have this opportunity as I get to really see my child grow and see him change were as if I was a working dad at some company I would miss a lot.

9.) Have you ever felt discriminated against by male friends who aren’t stay-at-home dads?
Yes. They tend not to want to talk to me about stuff as I feel they think I am not interested. Some look at me as I am some kind of lazy dad who won’t work. Really a funny attitude.

10.) Did your background as a child influence your decision to become a stay-at-home dad?
Maybe as my parents marriage ended in divorce and when I was a kid my father was to busy for me it seemed.

11.) Has becoming a stay-at-home dad made you feel as though you were less of a man? Why or why not?
At first it seemed that way but once I met other men in my profession it was thrown out the window and really feel like more of a man now.

12.) How has becoming a stay-at-home parent changed your relationship with members of your family and your outlook on family life?
Well I have never received a pat on the back from my family but excluding my wife of course who is very appreciative.

13.) Overall as your job as a stay-at-home father personally fulfilling?
Yes it is for me as I feel I am really living and it has been good for me to do things my way and be my own boss.


FYI - I did this durring nap time.
:D

[gpdno]

1.) What prompted you to decide to become a stay-at-home father?
My wife likes her job more than I did. We always talked about one of us staying home when we had kids. Unlike most SAHD I made almost double what my wife makes so I was a hard decision, financially to make.

2.) Do you sometimes regret becoming a stay-at-home father? Why or why not?
Nope, no regrets. Its the best job I ever have had.

3.) Has having only one source of income became a factor within the household?
Sure, I made more that my wife so my quitting was hard but it has worked out for the best.

4.) Do you currently work form home or run a business within the home?
Yes, two in fact. I am a professional Photographer and Mechanical Engineering Constant.

5.) Are currently contributing financially to the household?
Yes

6.) Why or why not is it important that you obtain some sort of employment either outside or within the home?
I don't know if I would say it is important, but it is something I can do to provide for the family. My first and foremost job is taking care of our son. If I can do extra then why not...

7.) Society generally views the male of the household being the primary “breadwinner,” do you feel that you should obtain some sort of income for the household? Why or why not?
Times change, when my parent were growing-up, the idea of a woman working was unheard of. I remember my mom telling me that at one time my grandmother wanted to work and my grandfather flat out refused to let her.

8.) Primary childcare has been known to be the “woman’s job,” how do you feel about taking on the responsibilities as a man?
My diaper change skills are as good as the next woman

9.) Have you ever felt discriminated against by male friends who aren’t stay-at-home dads?
No,my friend have been very supportive. Most of the grief I got was from old ladies in the malls. :)

10.) Did your background as a child influence your decision to become a stay-at-home dad?
My mom stayed home with the four of us, so I guess so.

11.) Has becoming a stay-at-home dad made you feel as though you were less of a man? Why or why not?
nope, best job I ever had.

12.) How has becoming a stay-at-home parent changed your relationship with members of your family and your outlook on family life?
It has given me a great respect for what my mom did and sacrifice to raise us.

13.) Overall as your job as a stay-at-home father personally fulfilling?Yes, every day

[Miguel's Dad]

1.) What prompted you to decide to become a stay-at-home father?
My wife and I knew before we had kids that we didn’t want to put our children in daycare. Her career is advancing quickly and I am in career transition. Also, her career aspirations are more financially rewarding than mine.

2.) Do you sometimes regret becoming a stay-at-home father? Why or why not?
No regrets. I know when I am older and look back on my life, I will be happy knowing I spent some much time with my son.

3.) Has having only one source of income became a factor within the household?
Sometimes we are really low on cash, but in the near future when my wife finishes grad school, it may not be a consistent problem for us. We do worry about saving money for our son’s schooling and our retirement.

4.) Do you currently work form home or run a business within the home?
No but I do volunteer with a couple of non profits to help and gain experience.

5.) Are currently contributing financially to the household?
In terms of bringing in cash the answer would be “no”. But in reality I am contributing financially because I am saving money. We do not need daycare, we only need one car, I buy everything on sale, and I don't need business clothes or supplies. Also by volunteering I am gaining experience that will add to my later career and by teaching our son I feel like I am contributing to his education investments.

6.) Why or why not is it important that you obtain some sort of employment either outside or within the home?
Volunteering with non-profits allows me to feel like I am completing projects (because with staying home I never feel like I complete anything, the work is never ending), to get out of the house by myself, and to receive a “thank you” on a regular basis.

7.) Society generally views the male of the household being the primary “breadwinner,” do you feel that you should obtain some sort of income for the household? Why or why not?
I do feel like I should obtain some income but not because of society. I want to contribute to our savings and my son’s future education.

8.) Primary childcare has been known to be the “woman’s job,” how do you feel about taking on the responsibilities as a man?
It takes a real man to give his all to his family.

9.) Have you ever felt discriminated against by male friends who aren’t stay-at-home dads?
Not by my friends more by new people I may meet. If they don’t value family, then I don’t want to talk to them anyway.

10.) Did your background as a child influence your decision to become a stay-at-home dad?
Yes. I had a wonderful childhood. My mom worked part time and my dad had a flexible schedule. My dad coached all my first sports teams. All of my friends knew my dad because he spent so much time with me. And there was a lot of family time shared. I want to give that time to my son.

11.) Has becoming a stay-at-home dad made you feel as though you were less of a man? Why or why not?
No. I feel more of a man because I realize I can do it all: work in the office in a challenging career full time or take care of my son full time…I even take care of other kids in my neighborhood. Some working dads I know can’t spend more than an hour with their own kid(s) without being lost.

12.) How has becoming a stay-at-home parent changed your relationship with members of your family and your outlook on family life?
It has made me value spending time with my parents even more especially because they are getting older. At first my parents couldn’t comprehend what I was doing. They felt like I was wasting my education. However, after seeing my son grow and learn they see the value of what I am doing. Now they stick up for me if any other family members make comments.

13.) Overall as your job as a stay-at-home father personally fulfilling? Yes, I get to watch my son grow day by day.

[Remington]

I have decided to cover my answers more in depth. I will be focusing on one question per day and you can view them here:
http://www.sillydad.com