The celebration of the working mom became an essential topic of discussion, as women left their homes to pursue high profile careers. Women proved to the world that we could climb the corporate ladders while successfully raising happy families (and doing it in stilettoes too). However the evolution of the modern mom has stolen the limelight leaving the modern father in the shadows.
It would be unfair not to acknowledge the changing role of fathers, especially in homes with the fully transformed working mom. Now I know there are a bunch of people who will be quick to argue the single-mom statistics, and the reality of the uninvolved dad is still very much a grave reality… but this is not where the debate is heading. This blog is for all those dedicated fathers who may find the parenting role to be somewhat sexist…. Yes I said it – Sexist!
Flip through any parenting magazine, every image is that of mom-and-child. Online mothers can find loads of options for Mom-and-Tot classes, Mother forums, Mommy blogs and the list continues. Even a trip to the shopping centre, where Mommy-Parking has become the latest trend. Now don’t get me wrong, we love the mommy-parking, there is nothing worse than trying to get car seats and prams out from small parking spaces. But why are all the parking signs of MOMS with prams?
Just the other day, my partner in crime was a victim of some sexist behaviour. It all started with a simple trip to the shopping mall one Saturday. He was rolling solo with our daughter. First he bumps into a female friend who is excited to see the baby… on further investigation she is surprised to find out that mom is not present. Her complete shock subsides by saying “Oh, okay – so where is the nanny then?” Nanny? It’s a Saturday! This conversation ensues with him explaining that he REALLY is there alone, and it’s REALLY not a practical joke. It took some convincing before she actually believed that fathers could be left unsupervised with their kids. Matters were made worse when he was inside a store, and our daughter started to cry. Now crying is no phenomenon in a 4-month-olds day, but he was approached by a complete stranger to offer him some ‘female’ support. Because obviously a man has no idea to do with a crying child! He was mortified, and bewildered.
This made me think a lot about the evolution of the modern dad. It goes without saying that we would be furious if the working mom was disrespected, I mean can you imagine a male colleague saying “Shame, Do you need help with that report, sometimes you just need a man’s touch to get it right!!” Are we not creating a suitable fathering environment for dads, should dads not have more options, and should we not be doing more to highlight their challenges? Not long ago the world embraced the metrosexual, women encouraged their men to moisturise and have the occasional manicure – and look the world did not fall apart. I think as moms and fellow parents we should start embracing the concept of the metrodad!
Aluta Continua Metrodads!
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