Economy Forces More Dads to Stay Home

The Detroit Free Press did a story called Surviving hard economy in Michigan, more dads stay at home.  In it, they report that the number of stay-at-home dads jumped 38% in three years, according to 2009 census estimates. The 2009 data suggest that there are 158,000 stay-at-home dads in the U.S. However, since the latest figures do not include fathers who work part-time or those looking for work, the number is likely higher.

As part of the story, they interviewed Chris Singer, author of SAHD in Lansing.

 

“If you’re a parent today, you just have to be ready to deal with anything,” said Chris Singer of Lansing, who writes a blog called SAHD (Stay At Home Dad). “Your job can end so quickly. The day of staying 20-30 years in one job is probably over. Now, anything can happen. You have to do what you have to do.”

Chris Singer, 38, and his wife, Deb Bailey, decided well before having children that one parent would stay home. It was always negotiable which one that would be. …

In December, Singer started a blog called “SAHD In Lansing” to document his life and reach out to other dads.

“It’s a great opportunity,” he said. “I know a lot of my friends will be like, ‘I think it’s cool you stay home, but I don’t think I could do it.’ But I get to see her grow, I saw a lot of the milestones, and it’s kind of fascinating to see all the little changes that happen.

Mom Central