Category Archives: dads vs. moms

Husband = Slacker or Partner?

A while ago, my husband sent me a link to a fascinating article (take a moment to read it, I’ll wait): Maximize Earning Potential by Marrying a Slacker

I had mixed reactions when I read it too.

  1. I know my husband’s contributions to our family and household are made possible by a less demanding job than my own at the moment – consistent with the outcome of the study.
  2. I know there have been times in our marriage where roles were reversed.
  3. I know that my husband works extremely hard at his job.
  4. I know household work and child care are no less of a job, and frankly the latter is often more of a job than any corporate job I’ve ever had.

But after reading this, the thing it reinforced for me most, the thing I KNOW is…

My husband is NO SLACKER!

We are partners. Always have been, always will be. We are connected. We sense when one of us needs some slack. We dive in when the other needs support.

Why is it that we still feel the need to make one person in a marriage out to be less than?

Watch DoGS – Dads of Great Students

At the start of the school year, I attended curriculum night for my two elementary age boys. At the general assembly, the principal asked for volunteers to assist the teachers in the classroom. I looked over the volunteer form to find that the only times a parent could support the classroom was between school hours of 9am – 3:30 pm (except Wed which are only til 2pm).

Then, she said “…but don’t worry men, we want you too”. She proceeded to describe a program – the Watch DOGS, which stands for Dads of Great Students – and encourages dads to volunteer for just ONE DAY.
The day is completely pre-programmed. Laid out from start to finish. Tied neatly with a bow.
What?
No, seriously, what?
So moms, regardless of their working status should find a way to come in between 9-3:30 M-F, but dads, just give us one day.
Dads, even if you stay home and want to be more involved with your kids education, you can fulfill the expectations of public school educators with JUST ONE DAY.
I tried signing up for Watch DOGS, but apparently I am not eligible. Do I claim Title IV?