The stay-at-home-dad with a full to-do list and a full heart

The stay-at-home-dad with a full to-do list and a full heart

Andrew Cattanach had not envisioned himself becoming a full-time stay-at-home dad, but after taking care of his two daughters as the primary caregiver for five years, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Today, millennial fathers are spending triple the amount of time with their children in comparison to dads from the 1960s. Parenting in the current era is far from a simple task; instead, it involves a complex balancing act. The shift in parental roles has been significant, promising benefits for both children and society at large. This series introduces two fathers who approach parenting uniquely and a fatherhood scientist observing the increasing involvement of dads.

Andrew Cattanach, a freelance writer based in Glasgow, now finds his weekdays filled with looking after his two daughters: one-year-old Isla and five-year-old Catriona. Despite never planning to be a stay-at-home dad, circumstances led him to take on this role. With his partner’s busy schedule and a lack of work on his end, it made sense for him to become the primary caregiver for their children.

Reflecting on his experience as a stay-at-home dad, Cattanach acknowledges the challenges but also the joys. He cherishes moments like witnessing his daughters playing together and hearing his eldest daughter say “moo” to her sister while reading a book. Maintaining his identity outside of parenting is a significant challenge for Cattanach, as the all-encompassing nature of full-time childcare often leaves little room for personal time.

As a freelance writer, Cattanach manages to work during nap times or weekends, even with his children present during video calls. While he acknowledges the importance of shared parenting, he also highlights the need for more flexible policies from employers. Despite occasional feelings of being the odd one out, especially in new social circles, Cattanach remains grateful for the rewarding experience of being a stay-at-home dad

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