When I was a kid, I once got in huge trouble for writing in the family’s address book in pen. I’d specifically been instructed by my mother to update it in pencil and both she and my stepfather were forthright in expressing their disapproval of my actions.
An address book with details of old friends crossed out. It’s a consequence of having a busy family life.
For a very long time, there’s been discussion and debate about keeping skilled women in the workforce after they become parents. Some new research, however, has shone the light on us fathers and the so-called Fatherhood Penalty.
In a nut shell, the research suggests the UK workforce may experience an even bigger skills gap as men, struggling to balance work and family life, downgrade careers so they can spend more time at home. I have to say, it comes as no surprise to me whatsoever.
The Fatherhood Penalty: at long last getting some recognition, but will it make any difference? Pic credit: Jordan Whitfield
Some readers will be aware, I recently appeared in Brazilian news show called Profissão Repórter. I spent a day with a small film crew as they followed me round to see what life was like for a UK-based stay at home dad.
When I started blogging four years ago, I didn’t really know what to expect. At first it was a hobby but since then it has become a bigger part of my life and provided me with a range of experiences. I am about to have another one of those experiences and break new ground by appearing in a high-profile television documentary…..in Brazil.
I have never been to the famous carnival in Rio de Janeiro but if I did, I might dress like this (See pic credits below).
One of the world’s better known stay at home dads, even though there is no official definition of a stay at home parent. Pic credit below.
A couple of weeks ago I contributed to a magazine article about stay at home dads (SAHDs). I felt it was a good piece, relying heavily on the first-hand accounts of four guys who, like me, look after the children and run the household.
The article also made a bold claim about the number of SAHDs in the UK. It said official figures revealed a steep rise in the number of SAHDs and that there are now 250,000 of us in the UK. I am familair with this claim. Give or take 10,000, it’s one that is occasionally repeated in the media. View Post