From time to time, my husband and I chuckle about his father’s “well-meaning” advice.
It was shortly after we had returned from the hospital, just days into becoming a family of three. My husband’s parents had arrived for a visit with their brand new grandson. Ryder, a sweet but fussy infant, demanded constant crooning and attention. Needing a moment to collect myself, I passed our baby to my husband, declaring he was officially nominated for diaper change duty.
Later that evening, as I rocked Ryder to sleep, curled up in my arms, my husband relayed a conversation he’d had with his father.
“I was changing Ryder’s diaper,” he explained, “and my dad followed me into the room. He said, You shouldn’t be doing this. It’s the woman’s job to take care of the baby. You need to concentrate on work and let her handle everything else.”
For about two seconds, I seethed with rage. But as I looked up at my husband, ready to launch into my “oh-no-he-didn’t” diatribe, I realized he was laughing, shaking his head in astonishment. Because he no more believed in gender stereotypes than I did; beyond that, he wanted to take an active role in our son’s care and upbringing.
“Let’s not worry about dear old dad’s advice,” he concluded.
Today, my husband is the father of two boys. He has changed diapers; he has drawn baths. He has cooked and cleaned and kissed boo boos and chased away monsters. He is an active role model for the boys and their hero – not just because he brings home the bacon, but because he fries it, too.
That’s real love. That’s real strength.
Dove Men+Care recognizes that men today demonstrate real strength and heroism through the small everyday things they do in life for their families, all of which is grounded in their ability to care. In fact, 9 out of 10 men globally believe masculinity has evolved since their father’s generation (case in point: our experience above!) and 75% of men agree that how masculinity has changed has had a positive impact on society.
Inspired by dad’s caring sides, “My Dad, My Hero” offers an evolved perspective on what a real hero looks like today. Dove Men+Care has curated footage from all over the world, from over 20 real families, which showcases a variety of ways modern dads show care for their kids.
Do you see your father, or husband, as a hero? Although male heroism has traditionally been rooted in physical strength (have you noticed the abundance of superhero movies this year?), this Father’s Day, Dove Men+Care will celebrate how real heroes, whose strength comes from care, elevates them to hero status in the eyes of their kids.
Dove Men+Care has generously offered Listen to Lena readers the chance to win a Dove Men+Care gift basket for a special man in your life. (Gold men’s watch, striped tie, keys to a Lexus and wedding ring not included! Those are treats my husband has deservedly received in Father’s Days past.)
To enter, simply RT this tweet. Open to Canadians only (excluding Quebec); ends June 19, 2016 at 12:00pm ET. Winner will be notified via Twitter.
Good luck, and to all the dads and heroes celebrating this weekend, Happy Father’s Day!
your husband seems like an amazing man, good for him, we need more men like that. thanks for sharing
Awwwe. Sounds like a Gem. Teamwork makes all the difference.
A wonderful post, I love the fact that your husband has an active role with his children. I remember when I had to go and have a small OP on my big toe that I came home to a crying baby who hadn’t been fed because his father didn’t know how to do it! I mean honestly, he couldn’t read the label or what?
Sounds like you caught yourself a good one. Older gentlemen with stereotypes drive me a little nuts. lol
What a nice post! Your husband sounds like an amazing father. It’s great that your boys have such a wonderful role model. Thanks for sharing.
good catch :)
Great article & well written. Enjoyed!
Times sure have changed and the way roles of parenting has changed also. Your hubby is definitely hero of a Dad, for his being an active loving father and husband.
It’s nice men are doing so much with their children and take the time to be their hero, in my day the husband still worked and the wife did all the rest, it’s great there are so many hero’s with #RealStrength
I am so happy you have such a wonderful family man in your life,i have also been blessed with a good man,who does it all.Enjoy Fathers Day weekend.
happy not the momma’s day
Your husband sounds like a wonderful dad, and happy to hear he didn’t listen to his dad about changing diapers!!
What a fun DAD and father, the boys sure are super lucky to have him in their lives
What a great father and husband :)
This is awesome…he is great!!! my husband is #RealStrength too after fighting and surviving cancer twice … he truly is my inspiration and hero life is short and you need to enjoy every moment together!!
Have a great Father’s Day
What a nice feeling for you that you have a husband who has integrity & is there for your family. I feel the same way about my Dad so today I wish him a Happy Father’s Day!
That is such a blessing. What a great marriage is all about, teamwork. I am blessed to have a strong supportive father and a wonderful father-in-law. I am blessed with a man that came into my life and wasn’t afraid to step into my son’s life. Hope you all enjoyed today!
Very sweet :)
Very nice story
You have a great man there to give you a hand!!I am so happy for you.This is a real blessing because it’s all about team work.My husband and father are two of my heros too but neither of them ever changed a diaperso kudos to your man for that!!
what a very sweet and heart warming video. and your husband is so awesome and total sweetheart, just like your boys
Your children are lucky to have such great parents!
It makes me so warm and fuzzy when I see others as blessed in their marriage as I am
You have been blessed with beautiful children and a wonderful husband
What a great story. Thank you for sharing
I almost never saw my father, and when I did it was because we were working at the farm in the fields.
All I can say is, “Thank goodness for modern dads”
Great post and your kids are lucky to have 2 wonderful parents. My daughters father was to immature when he became a father but I always hoped that one day that would change because at heart he was a great guy. Recently he was changing his live around and wanting to be involved with his daughter then a few weeks ago I got a call saying he passed away. You always think there is time but really you never know.
Such a great post with a great message!
Your kids are lucky to have a great father because there’s not necessarily a lot of them out there. I know I didn’t have a good one !
Times have sure changed over the years,his Dad was telling him what he believed to be true.The role of Dad in the home has become more involved over the last years.