Our son just turned one and if he could talk, he’d tell you that Mommy and Daddy love him more than anything in the world – equally. He’d also tell you that Daddy changes his diapers, takes him to the potty, washes his laundry, cooks him wonderfully nutritious meals, takes him for walks, comforts him when he can’t sleep (the list goes on)…  In addition to that, I witness him juggling work, cooking, cleaning, and taking care of our baby and my emotional health. All of this, he does with patience and love – and very droopy eyes.

We’re partners and best friends, because this will be our life well lived.

But as I browse my Mommy Facebook groups and online forums for help and tips, it saddens me to see little mention of the role Dads play.  There is a lot of literature on all that Moms do for their families, and rightly so.  However, I feel there is a missed opportunity here to acknowledge what Dads are doing as well.  These are the Dads who cook dinner for their wives because he sees she is tired and hungry, or takes baby out for a walk at 5am just to let her sleep a few more minutes.  My husband does all of this and more in spite of his own exhaustion.

I am extremely grateful to have such a truly inspiring partner in life – one who sees the light in me even when I fail to do so.  And since having our son, I often reflect on what a strong role model he will be.  Because of my husband, our son will grow up in a household where gender stereotypes do not exist, and where we love and respect each other for who we are.