Another video… I know, but it’s good!
I just finished reading an excellent article from the NY Times on the surge in number of stay at home dads, an effect caused by the poor economy. The article comments on a few items of interest to me. First being that in many cases the wives are now the sole bread winners of the family, either continuing in their present career and managing off of one salary, or by returning to the workforce. That then causes the husband to take on the duties of PTSA, school pickups, and cooking dinner with the same vigor he committed to his work life. Lastly, that these corporate layoff dads are now spending more time with their children, making them reconsider their career choices for when they are able to return to the workforce. Does this not sound like Michael Keaton in Mr. Mom? What Mr. Mom, in all it’s comedic splendor failed to touch on was the effect having dad home played on the kids. As the article mentions, the schools are now having to consider the toll the financial burdens at home are having on their students.
While today’s economy is overwhelmingly depressing, the idea that something good can come out of it like greener energy, a return to a customer-centric business model, and dads that are recommitting to their families (willingly or not) is great news.
