If you’re a stay-at-home dad, chances are you’ve heard this more times than you can count: “Wow, I’d love to have your job!” That’s right folks, the job that is deemed easier and less stressful than an office job. The job that pays in hugs and snuggles and occasionally, a little bit of gratitude. The job where you get to spend all day with the little people who love you unconditionally… unless they’re throwing a tantrum, in which case they would probably prefer if you weren’t there.
As a stay-at-home dad, you’ll find that your day is filled with a delightful array of tasks such as:
- Changing diapers. Let’s be real, this is the highlight of the day. Who doesn’t love the smell of a dirty diaper? It’s like a fragrant bouquet of flowers, but better.
- Making meals. You’ll get to be a top-notch chef and experiment with all the latest recipes… for chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese.
- Cleaning. If you love doing laundry, dishes, and cleaning up spilled milk, this is the job for you! Bonus points if you can do it all while carrying a toddler.
- Playing. Get ready to become an expert in imaginative play, as well as the latest trends in toy technology. You’ll be a superhero, a horse, and a talking tree all before lunchtime.
- Consoling. When the little ones are feeling sad, it’s up to you to be the shoulder to cry on. This may involve singing lullabies, telling stories, and sometimes just letting them cry it out… on your shoulder.
And those are just the basics! You’ll also get to be a mediator, a teacher, a disciplinarian, and a 24/7 nurse. You’ll be expected to know everything about everything and have the answers to all of life’s biggest questions. And if you don’t know the answer? Google it, because there’s no time for a break.
So, if you’re a stay-at-home dad, embrace the chaos and the joy that comes with the job. And when someone tells you they’d love to have your job, just smile and say, “It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it.”