Today, I take my leave.
Since the birth of my son, the plan was always for my wife to take the first stretch of childcare, and then I would take my turn and finish off the last leg of the parental leave.
I must admit, it’s an odd concept to me. Not because I disagree with it – I certainly do. It’s just that it’s not part of the world I was raised in. Not a part of the expected norm. A man? Taking time off work to take care of their child? Preposterous!!
Except it’s not. Not today.
There are two parents. Man or woman – it doesn’t matter. The job description is the same. The idea that a man’s role is entirely different in parenting is, to put it simply, stupid. Outdated. Lunacy.
It’s an excuse – an artificially created concept to change or choose your level of participation.
But that’s the thing. You have a choice. That’s not on society; that’s on you.
So. What does it take to be a man?
Being a man means feeding your child.
Being a man means changing diapers.
Being a man means cleaning up after them when they spit up and throw up all over the place.
Being a man means reading stories, bathing them, holding them when they cry, and playing with them, even when you’re exhausted.
Being a man means doing all of this despite the fact that it might make you uncomfortable. ESPECIALLY if it makes you uncomfortable.
Yes, it’s true. I did not give birth to my son. My wife did that. She carried him for nine months. That’s not something I can do. But that’s not what makes you a parent. I may not have useful nipples, but you should see me handle a bottle! I may not have carried him during the pregnancy, but I carry him today!
Now, you don’t have to take time off work. Not everyone can afford it, or manage it. It doesn’t always work out that way. BUT! Parenting should be about having shared responsibilities in caring for and raising your child. Not separate ones.
So today, I take my leave. I do my part.
Want to prove you’re a man?
Do yours.
The CJBuzz 