This could be the biological parent, extended family member, a neighbor or church member. It could be a good friend or colleagues at work. We know that many men are accepting an increased share of domestic responsibilities as they perceive their roles as parents very differently than a generation or two ago. Much of this change is driven by economics. Increasing numbers of men are choosing to stay at home while mothers pursue full time employment and are the main provider for the home.
Many men are more confused than ever about what it means to be a dad today.
The challenges of male involvement with children are numerous. There are few men in social service work, particularly early childhood programs. For 14 years I have worked with and spoken almost exclusively to women. As men we really don't have much credibility if we're not in the trenches doing the daily work with kids, be that Head Start, early intervention, pediatrics, or elementary teaching. Or watch a football game on television and the ads come flying out at you.