10 Signs that Parenting is More Equal than it Used to be

Rachael Brownell (Redsy) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:56:00 GMT

While it is debatable whether truly equal parenting is common or just an impossible dream, there are signs that indicate the era of "Father Knows Best" or even "Mr. Mom" -- Look! That Man is Holding a Vacuum!!" are long gone. And good riddance!

Here are 10 common signs that co-parenting is on the upswing:

1. Diaper changing tables in the men's room - Because even Daddy changes diapers now, even though grandpa likely still won't.

2. Paternity leave - These days fathers are expected to take more than just a week or two off work when baby arrives. When patched onto the end of maternity leave, paternity leave is invaluable to most families.

3. Daddy takes a sick day - Fathers who in previous generations would rely on their wives to take sick days when the kids were ill, now use some of their time to take care of Billy's cold.

4. Doctors, dentists, and parent-teacher conferences - No longer solely the domain of mamas, it is wonderfully heartening to see so many Dads taking the lead in these previously mom-only domains.

5. Stay at home, daddy - If it's good enough for Brad Pitt, it's good enough for Mike Adamick and Gavin Rossdale (even though he might eschew daddydom for the tour). Primary caregiving isn't just for mommies anymore. And thankfully, we don't need any movies with Michael Keaton to prove to us how inept men are at domestic things.

6. Dad writes - Ever since Anne Sexton and Sylvia Plath penned poems about mothering, the literary description of parenting has previously been mostly left to women. Thankfully that is now no longer the case. From beautifully written blogs like Sweet Juniper to funny writings at Dadcentric, the unique literary expression of fatherhood will never be ignored again.

7. Baby packs - Even 10 years ago, it was less common to see daddies hauling the little babies in the packs and slings and Bjorns. The most beautiful site is when Daddy carries new baby in the Bjorn, holds the hand of the toddler, while balancing a cell phone and carrying a bag of groceries. Welcome to my world!

8. Man bags - Many of them are "geared toward men" because they are made of ugly camouflage, but as long as none of us have to carry nylon diaper bags covered in teddy bears and baby bottles, it's all good.

9. Daddy ain't heavy - Daddy used to be the threat to insure good behavior. Most parents I know share the role of good cop/bad cop with the kids, so neither parent has to be consdered the heavy.

10. Dad is the new Mom - More and more women are the primary breadwinner and are happy to leave primary caretaking to the men. Even when Daddy doesn't stay home full-time, more men are taking the childrearing reins.

Strollerderby : myth of coparenting

10 Signs that Parenting is More Equal than it Used to be