Thinking of Being a Stay-At-Home-Dad?
I’m exhausted. I feel as if I’ve aged 10 extra years. I’m forgetful, cranky (but never in front of Bpoo), sluggish, and indecisive.
And, most importantly, I am incredibly humbled.
What an arrogant fool I was! For the first eight months of Bethypoo’s life, I didn’t realize how easy I had it. Mummy stayed home with the baby while I was the breadwinner. On most mornings, when I had no desire to get out of the warm bed and face the miserable British weather, I imagined how easy it must be for Mummy, playing with Bpoo while I cycled or took the train to work. Mummy would email me pictures and videos of Bpoo smiling, giggling, pooping, etc, and I was becoming slightly envious.
“Mummy, what do you think of the idea of me staying home with Bethypoo, while you go back to work?”
“Hmmm, I wouldn’t mind at all,” she replied. Looking back, I should’ve caught the snicker.
I prefer a bit of order in my life, some type of schedule, and hoped Bethypoo would adhere to it. Breakfast at 8 AM, lunch at 12:30 PM, then a nap. Dinner at 7PM. Snacks in between. Bethypoo, with her nutty ways, had other plans, and ultimately won that battle.
More battles to follow: teething, separation anxiety, milestones…
…but we also have awesome days together too! My little baby and I have lunch dates, hang out at the playground, or go on mini-hikes. We read books together, discuss current events, and debate over which sun hat she looks the best in. We collect rocks and leaves, and tear up the junk mail into little pieces and pretend it’s snow.
Reading a website or book about raising a child may prepare you somewhat, but I definitely was not ready for the emotional roller coaster Bethypoo took me on! Mummy had toughed it out like a champ, and I hope my current rope-a-doping is working out for now.
I salute those of you who are currently stay-at-home parents…and wish the best of luck to the future ones!
Father Jogger: A North Bay Stay-At-Home Dad 
2 Responses to “Thinking of Being a Stay-At-Home-Dad?”
I have been a stay-at-home dad since day one. It is a lot of work, energy and you sometimes feel overwhelmed. But it’s worth it when your child calls for “da da” after waking up or wants something. And the bonus is when you walk into the room and he says, “theirs da da” with a smile on his face.
Since Day One? Don’t know where I’d be psychologically if I attempted that!