On estimate, there are over 159,000 fathers now choosing to stay at home and adopt the role of househusband. We caught up with one father who claims it is the best career choice he ever made. David and Rebecca are parents to two year old Lilly and live in London with their dog Sally.
Did you plan on being a househusband prior to having Lilly?
Having always undertaken the main role as breadwinner within our household, it came as a surprise when my wife suggested that I stay at home with our six month old daughter whilst she pursued her career. After some intense discussions I agreed to it on a trial basis and that if it all went wrong we would find alternative daycare for Lilly.
How did you find the transition from working as a Journalist in a busy office to caring full time for an infant?
At first I found the transition quite difficult. I had suddenly jumped into unfamiliar territory where I did not have any colleagues to lean on. Whilst I consider myself to be fairly good at multi tasking, I had moments where I wished Rebecca was there to simply figure out why Lilly was crying. I did however cherish the lovely mornings with her, which would have otherwise been spent commuting on a very busy train.
How did you fit in with other parents and did you find it easy to make friends?
It can be quite intimidating walking into a room full of women, armed with a small baby under one arm and a bottle of breast milk under the other. We soon established a routine for Lilly and I would look forward to taking her to playgroups and music classes once a week where I was welcomed by both mothers and fathers.
Did you at any one point over the last two years consider going back to work?
Fortunately, I have been lucky enough to work as a freelance journalist, which has given me the freedom and flexibility to balance my time with taking care of Lilly. The past two years have been a real learning curve for us all, but I would not have had it any other way. I have a wonderful relationship with Lilly and as much as I loved having a full-time career, I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to cherish every milestone that she has made.
How did you find the facilities for fathers when you were out and about?
I was surprised at how far department stores have come over the years. With the choice of ‘Parent Rooms’ in most department stores and restaurants, I have yet to come across a place that is specifically for mothers. I think that these organisations have recognised that with such an increase in fathers looking after children, they need to be able to accommodate them too.
How have the arrangements affected your relationship with your wife?
I appreciate my wife more and without the experience of taking care of Lilly I perhaps would not have realised how demanding it can be.
What are your plans for the future?
I intend to stay at home with Lilly until she starts school. This year we have enrolled her in a local pre school and I will continue to undertake freelance work. I think that having more children is something Rebecca and I will discuss nearer the time; although I think she may feel that it is her turn to stay at home.
What has been the best highlight for you over the last two years?
When Lilly learnt to ride her scooter! I was so proud of her ability to put one foot in front of the other and fly at such an impressive speed!.