It’s so important that the way we view fathers, in our society, changes. If we are ever to have true equality between men and women in the workplace, the value and status we place upon those providing childcare needs to be transformed.

Here’s a column I wrote for Eastern Daily Press on the subject, click here for the full piece.

As Father’s Day swings into view once more, it’s essential we recognise that our families have changed. The roles taken by parents are no longer defined by the accident of gender. When it comes to childcare, mums and dads occupy almost identical spaces and its time our culture’s narratives caught up.

I’m a stay at home father. I’m part of an ever-growing group of men taking a ‘hands on’ role in raising our children. We are a very necessary part of the workforce – especially in a culture that claims to want gender parity for anyone climbing the career ladder.

Essentially, dads looking after children are a necessary by-product of mums taking their rightful place in the workplace.

What’s my point?

As Father’s Day arrives, too many of us are worrying about the superficial: “What can I buy for the man who has everything?” Let’s face it, it’s usually socks. Such clutter is placed in ‘that’ drawer with a multitude of similar gifts from down the years.

Instead of token items for dad, wouldn’t it be great if this year we could talk more openly about the role of fathers within our society?

The day of the distant dad has passed – so let’s celebrate the 21st century father.

Chris McGuire, Eastern Daily Press