Redefining the role of fatherhood
Tension is high in the home to find childcare with more than 1.3 billion children out of school due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kids are restless, parents are frustrated. And the whole thing might be worth it!
A historical moment is shifting dynamics in families and firms alike as millions of fathers are asked to stay home with their children, leading to a balance in gender equality for the foreseeable future. We do not want to lead you to think that COVID-19 made it happen.
Studies show that the trend for men taking on the caregiver and home duties are increasing over the last several years, regardless of the pandemic.
Fatherhood is changing in America today. Fathers that live with their kiddos are taking more initiative to play a more active role in raising children and caring for the house, including single fathers. On the contrary, more and more children are facing life without a dad present in their lives.
2020 brought a change in how fathers spent time with their families; a change took place in parenting roles in America. Studies show when family equity is accepted, then stress decreases. Decreasing stress is healthy and necessary!
Stress within the home is becoming a major modern-day factor affecting parents
Emotional strain and tension link directly to heart disease, high blood pressure, headaches, cancer, weakened immune systems, and more. Stress can be harmful! It pushes biological buttons inside men (who tend to ignore symptoms of anxiety) and creates health issues down the line. When men experience a high level of stress, they might turn to unhealthy habits, including drinking, overeating, or drugs. No good.
New Research suggests our gender norms are changing in the same way that WWII shifted roles with a surge of male caregivers and women in the workforce skyrocketing. Dads on duty are quickly becoming more popular. It’s National Men’s Health Week, and we want to honor you! Thank you for embracing your role as a primary caregiver.
Here are some helpful links to help you connect and de-stress in your role:
- 12 Habits of Highly Effective Stay-At-Home Dads
- Stay-at-Home Dad Survival Guide
- The Loneliness of Being a Stay-at-Home Dad
- Avoid at-Home Dad Burn Out
It’s a time to bring awareness to health issues men are specifically affected by
and to allow men to gain the courage to do something about it. Men may or may not have these issues, but awareness and prevention are essential. Here are some everyday things you can do to get started:
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Consume healthy fruits, and veggies frequently lay off the processed snacks.
- Take your vitamins and supplements necessary. Ask your physician what vitamins and supplements your body needs to sustain and get healthier.
- Practice safe sex. Enough said!
- Buckle up your seat belt while driving. As easy as it sounds, it only takes a ½ second for someone to hit you or for you to get distracted (ending in a story we don’t want to see on the news). Please buckle up while driving for your safety and your families.
- Lose the dad bod, get fit. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. You’ll stay slim and destress.
- Don’t drink too much alcohol. Enjoy your favorite cocktail or beer in moderation. You really should not be drinking more than two drinks per day.
- Skip smoking of any sort.
- Manage stress. Notice warning signs of stress. Do you clench your teeth or hold tension in your neck and shoulders? Find a healthy way to destress like working out or journaling.
- Remember: what are the essential things.
Sometimes it’s difficult for men to want to give up their ‘gender roles’ and become meshed in the home or talking about issues. This week is all about getting men to talk about tough things. It’s okay to talk about health issues, which includes balancing work and family. Do not just push them to the side and forget about this. If you’re a man or a woman that wants to help get involved, please start having those conversations early and especially this week.
