Long Island Dad Begins

This is my first blog dedicated to being a stay at home dad. Since the birth of my son Christopher, almost four years ago I have been "running" the home front. My wife manages a restaurant, and is often gone for 12-14 hours a day.

We live in a relatively large home with two dogs and a cat. I take care of all the child, household, yard, automotive and pet duties. My wife is responsible for food and laundry, lucky for us she's a fantastic cook.

I want to use this space to share my thoughts and perspectives on what it's like here on Long Island. This area provides great opportunities for families, but because of the very high cost of living, some very, very difficult challenges.

It was our choice that I take on this role. It was not by circumstance of a job loss or a corporate downsize. But rather, a calculated decision to have one parent home, full time, to raise our children. The decision was relatively easy and financially very hard. Only time will tell if it's all worth it. I can only tell you that I'm sure my children benefit everyday from this decision.

I will never put down double income families, or the very dedicated child care workers, but it was our decision to have children and our responsibilty to raise them. I would never ask a day care center to teach my children values, ethics, morals or manners. In soceity we take must responsiblity for our actions, we must teach our children to take responsibilty. It's a parents' solemn duty. Unfortunately, due to the times we live in it's basically impossible to live by 1950's family models. Bills must get paid. Parents are often caught between being the financial providers and the life lesson providers. Some do a great balancing act. I don't have that kind of energy. In future blogs I'll go into the choices we've made in order to make this possible, or if it's really possible.

I would appreciate all your input and advice. Please comment often. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Thanks for reading.