Name: Tim Atkinson
Age: 44
Family Members: 3
How long have you been a stay at home Daddy for?
Almost two years.
What was your previous occupation and how did you find the transition from that job to caring full time for an infant?
I was a school teacher, and has a responsible role as Assistant Head at a large boys’ grammar school. But the transition was easy as I was ready for a change and really enjoyed the complete change of role.
Did you plan on being a househusband prior to having your children?
No. When my daughter was Charlie’s age she went to nursery full-time and I rather thought the same might happen. But I’d reached a stage in my career where I’d have been looking for a change in any case, and this just happened to be the one that came along.
How has your life changed since you made the transition?
In terms of quality, immeasurably. Every day is enormous fun; it’s like nothing I’ve ever done and I’m loving every minute. I blog about it as a way of keeping the brain cells active and I’m involved in other activities that get me out of the house from time to time, so I don’t lack adult conversation. And the work is hard, I’m not under any illusions about that.
How do you fit in with other parents and have you found it easy to build up a network?
Well, most of the people I meet at toddler groups are mums, and the network is largely the one my wife built up before going back to work, but that’s turned out fine. Being the only man has certain advantages!
www.dadsandlittluns.co.uk
Have you at any point considered going back to work?
Not yet, but the long-term plan is for me to return to work when Charlie starts school.
How have you found the facilities for fathers when you are out and about?
They vary enormously. As I’ve just written (on Bringing up Charlie) changing facilities for fathers can be difficult to find and I have been known to use the ladies, albeit singing loudly – and well down the bass register – to alert any unsuspecting mums.
What changes would you like to see the government make, if any?
It’s not always up to the government. Businesses (I’m thinking shops, cafes, P&O ferries!) could do a lot more than the token changing mat in the disabled loo. We stopped at a motorway service station on Saturday and had to queue for the one changing station, in spite of this being a busy facility with the expectation that families patronise it. That’s not a matter for the government.
How have your arrangements affected your relationship with your wife/partner?
To be honest, I think it’s improved for both of us. My wife’s job changed shortly after she returned to work and she now has a much more demanding position. If we were both still working, our home-life would be pretty non-existent but as I can effectively run the home (I do all the cooking etc) she can have quality time in the evening doing bath and bedtime and then we can spent some time together later.
What are your plans for the future?
As I said, when Charlie starts school I plan to return to work unless blog writing suddenly starts providing me with an income!
What has been the best highlight for you over the last few years?
Well, every day is a highlight really. There are so many magical moments it’d be hard to pick just one: first smiles, first words, first steps, I’ve done them all and I’m eager for more.
http://t.co/1PS9IhD.