Stay at home dads

Listen to the mp3

Originally broadcast March 12, 2012 — Just like moms, some dads choose to stay home with the kids, while others are thrust into the role. Either way, it’s a big job without the support of a human resources department. Nationwide, dads are staying home to care for kids in 1 percent of married households. Experts say this number correlates with recessionary job loss and gender role flexibility, in light of more lucrative job opportunities for educated women. Still, some at home dads say they feel unwelcome in a scene dominated by women and at times feel pressure to get a “real job.” Dr. Dan Gottlieb and his guests explore the small but growing demographic of stay at home dads. Dan’s guest is Ryan McKelley, Ph.D. McKelley is an assistant professor at University of Wisconsin and has studied the satisfaction levels of and reasons men become stay at home fathers. Guests also include two local men who will share their at home stories.