James, 42
Canadian James is dad to four kids, aged 2 to 6. He began staying home a few years ago while living in Melbourne. The family now lives in Sydney.
After his wife got pregnant with their fourth child, the couple couldn’t find a good nanny, something they had enjoyed while living in Japan. They both worked long hours, he in sales management, his wife in executive recruiting.
“I was a little bit worried about it at first,” James admits. “I was like ‘Am I going to like this?’ A neighbour came around and he was a stay-at-home dad as well, and our boys were around the same age.”
The two dads soon grew to about 20, and they eventually formed an East Melbourne dads’ group.
James started a website called CareerDad, and the circle of fatherly support proved positive. Armed with a minivan and triple pram, he went on excursions with other dads, such as hunting for an eatery boasting one of the area’s best hamburgers. Since moving to Sydney, however, he hasn’t had as much luck connecting with other dads.
James now works part-time and he and his wife have discussed switching parenting roles eventually. His wife goes to work early to be back for dinner and is “100-percent” focused on the children when at home, he says.
“For me, it’s just been fantastic,” he says of his role. “When you’re there all the time, you really don’t miss anything.”
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