Orlando Family celebrates Stay-at-Home Dads and wishes these special fellows a Happy Father’s Day!

Studies illustrate a number of benefits when children are raised by a stay-at-home parent. But does it matter which partner takes on this role? According to the Census Bureau, 5 million women currently stay at home with their children, but the number of fathers taking on the job of ‘domestic dad’ is slowly on the rise with nearly 200,000 men assuming the role of househusband. Orlando Family sat down with three Central Florida dads for insight into their real-life modern versions of the 1983 movie Mr. Mom.

Scott: Daddy Daycare in a mommy-and-me world

Together for nearly fifteen years, Scott and Christina Finch were overjoyed to welcome their first child, Chase, now 2. But along with the big celebration came an even bigger question – how would they raise their son?

“Initially, we had a nanny but the cost for care equaled our mortgage! We had to compare various childcare options vs. working,” explained Christina, owner of an Orlando-based staffing company. “Financially, we were able to squeeze by with Scott staying home as the caregiver, but we made some sacrifices to do so…basic things, such as forgoing cable and a home phone line.” But Scott says these compromises can’t compare to the wonderful benefits of being a stay-at-home dad.

“Chase said ‘I love you, Dada’ for the first time last week,” reveals Scott with a teary-eyed grin. “I get to be with him during these years of ‘firsts’ and see how quickly he learns. We have so much fun together…it’s almost like we’re best friends.”

The tiny tot and tall, former real estate worker begin their day with a healthy breakfast followed by an adventure at the Orlando Science Center, or swimming at the YMCA (which offers membership scholarships to eligible families). Scott admits that he was initially intimidated to participate in traditional ‘mommy and me’ activities, such as story time at the library. “Ninety-nine percent of the time I am the only dad there, but Chase is so friendly it makes it easier. I have the utmost respect for these stay at home moms; they are managing so much for their families – they could easily be a company CEO.”

An afternoon run with the jogging stroller or time spent feeding the ducks is followed by Chase’s afternoon nap, giving Scott time to focus on household chores. “I married the one man who can cook and clean quickly, and isn’t disappointed when he misses a football game on TV!” says Christina, who admits that she often feels envious of the extra time Scott has with Chase. “Scott makes it easy for me, and is supportive of my business”.

“After Christina gets home from work, I usually head out to the gym, so she gets her one-on-one time with Chase,” says Scott. Now fully transitioned into a daily schedule that includes ‘kid stuff’ and contributing to a well-run home rather than being the bread winner, Scott says that bonding with his son definitely outweighs being the one to provide financial and healthcare benefits. “As my relationship with Chase strengthens, I think I couldn’t love him anymore…but I am still overwhelmed everyday with more love.”

Bryant: The mini-van MANny!

“My husband and I tried working outside the home,” says Nur Rosa, a busy marketing executive, “but the struggles of managing schedules compromised our No. 1 priority – family.” So, despite coming from traditional family backgrounds, her husband, Bryant, a former deputy sheriff, made the ‘non-traditional’ choice to be a full-time dad to raise their boys, Brandon, now 13, and Christian, now 8.

“I was reluctant at first, but now I am proud to be a stay-at-home dad,” says Bryant, sharing that some friends were judgmental about his decision and the ‘career dad’s’ were envious of his lifestyle. But he knows better. “I get to have fun with my kids every day and encourage them to do their best.”

After slowly being accepted into the moms’ world of carpooling and after-school activities, Bryant says he is often the equivalent of a ‘Rent-a-Dad’. “I’m not trying to be a mom – they have one of those. I offer a different skills set to the other stay-at-home parents and their kids; whether it’s jump starting a mom’s car, helping with sports practice, or letting a group of kids play loud music in my mini-van.”

“He’s not your average dad – he’s better!” says Brandon, who enjoys playing tennis or practicing jujitsu after school with his dad. “He’s the fun one.” “He helps us get good grades,” adds Christian, who loves playing the drums and other instruments with dad.

“My philosophy? You have to herd your kids. Don’t corral them, because they’ll jump the fence,” jokes Bryant. Timesaving tricks such as crockpot dinners allow him time to do the lion’s share of housecleaning.

“I think if roles were reversed, I’d do things differently, but not necessarily better,” says Nur. “More importantly, we made a choice that works for our family.”

Christian: Double the Work with Double the Fun

For Christian and Kelly Butera, deciding which parent would stay home to raise now10-year-old Mac and 7-year-old Nash was easy. “As a jewelry designer, I had more flexibility with my schedule regarding hours and whether I worked at home or in my studio,” says Christian, when comparing his wife’s schedule as a manager of a high-end department store.

Christian says he struggled with insecurities during the baby stages, feeling a bit out of place as the only stay-at-home dad in the family, except for his brother who had a similar arrangement for a period, but mostly because of the heightened responsibilities. “Nash had some close calls when he was younger; he was sick and experienced seizures. It was a scary time and I remember calling my mom for advice,” he says. Yet despite the strong bond he has with his sons, their mom is still the one the boys run to; though both he and Kelly serve as disciplinarians. “You have to be on the same page as your partner. I especially have to communicate with Kelly to catch her up on anything that happened during the day.”

Christian’s busy day of studio work paired with housework is followed by an afternoon of guy time. “I love seeing their interests change – Star Wars, Legos, and the zipline we built in the backyard,” he says with enthusiasm. “I just love spending time with them, whether we’re cooking dinner or headed to a classic car show together.”