DadsAtHome

STAY AT HOME DADS

The Caribbean experience

 For better or worse

 There are several reasons why it may be more beneficial for the father to be the primary caregiver while the mother works outside of the home, the MAIN reason is most commonly due to a changed economic situation. Huge lay-off, downsizing,  injuries, plus the disappearance of the traditional type of jobs that we as men enjoyed and filled has left many middle-aged men essentially unemployable, and under employable, thereby causing a role reversal for obvious economic reasons.

At the same time, however, women have progressed into higher-paying jobs, some of which have been traditional held by men and when a guy losses his job, there are now serious financial, social, and emotional ramifications to be considered  in deciding whether the mother or father should become the stay-at-home parent.

In cases where the woman is the higher-paid partner it makes more economic sense for her to continue to work while the man takes on the caregiver role, (sometimes with the added health benefits offered to the mother being a major advantage here)

With the growth of telecommuting, and especially internet, many men are able to work from home, contributing financially, while also acting as the primary caregiver of the family's children. In some cases differences in the parent schedules can also account for some of the stay-at-home dads. In my case my partner worked long difficult hours as a Registered Nurse, sometimes with no relief from her peers and as a result I often had to make the changes to my job scheduled to fill this parenting gap. Let me say right now that most bosses are often very reluctant to give you time off –especially on a regular basis – to take care of personal issues!!and you cannot blame them)  In my position, I had to accept a serious reduction in salary cut, LATE payments as WELL AS consistent haranguing and pressure from my employer until I eventually left. so basically the role was trust upon me

Frankly there are obvious benefits to this role chief of which is the extra time spent with my children and I really enjoy having such an active part of my kids’ lives. But be warned some thing, many things, change and often not for the better. We will look at them and how I feel, is the best way to deal with them.

 home

 home