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Although The Stay-at-Home Dad HANDBOOK was originally published in 2004 its relevance may have hit new heights in our current economic landscape.  Peter Baylies, with Jessica Toonkel have put together a comprehensive overview on what to expect if you decide or are forced by lay-offs to become your children's primary caregiver.  The book covers the gambit of situations a S.A.H.D. will likely face as he takes on the challenges of his new job.

A few highlights-

• Dealing with jealousy and guilt with your spouse
• Adjusting to a new way of life
• Cleaning tips
• Activities to enrich you and your children and pass the time
• Networking with other stay-at-home dads
• Tips on working from home while caring for your children
• Dealing with S.A.H.D. burnout

As you read through the handbook you'll find that many of the tips offered might tend to fall into the common sense territory-of "I already know that."  But included throughout the book are little sidebar stories of dads from all over the country that share their experiences that I found to be very helpful.  Giving one a stronger confidence  knowing so many other dads are having the same experiences you are having every day.  I equate it to being sort of like when you were in junior high school and thought you were the only kid who masturbated, possibly filling you with shame and embarrassment regardless of how satisfying it was.  Then you find out everybody does it and you can dump the emotional baggage and just get on with it.

The book can be found at most bookstores,  and of course Amazon.com has it.  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005JWUFZY   Also, check out Peter Baylies' Official At-home dad website by clicking here.

By Lance Koehnen
Cleveland Stay-at-Home Dads Examiner

  The term ''stay at home dads'' is used to describe a father who is the main caregiver of the children and is the homemaker of the household.  As families have evolved, the practice of being a stay at home dad has
become more common.

   Stay at home dads have been seen in increasing numbers in Western culture, especially in Canada, the UK and the United States since the late 20th century. In developed East Asian nations such as Japan and South Korea, this practice is less common.

   Many middle-aged men have become essentially unemployable due to heart attacks or some other physical aliment, thereby causing a role reversal for economic reasons.  At the same time, women are progressing into higher paying jobs. There are now financial ramifications in deciding whether the mother or father should become the stay-at-home parent.  In cases where the woman is the higher-paid parent, it makes more economic sense for her to continue to work while the man takes on the caregiver role.  At times the mother's job offers health benefits for the family whereas the father's does not.

   Stay at home dads has, at the same time, some disadvantages and advantages.  Depending on the country or region, a stay at home dad might find more or less social support for his decision. In regions where traditional roles prevail, a stay at home dad might be shunned by a stay at home mom's peer group.  In order to find support for their choice, these men have created and joined many support networks. 

  But there are many advantages too.  There have been many studies done which suggest the importance of the paternal role in a child's life and benefits of the stay at home dad, the mothers will not be so stressed in search for a nanny or a daycare and for the fathers, they will have a better relationship with their children.


Here is an article about 5 Tips for the Stay At Home Dad