It’s not common that kids have experienced what I experienced growing up with a stay-at-home dad, but I didn’t realize that until I started high school.
In order for you to understand what it’s like to have a stay-at-home dad, you should probably know our family’s background.
My mom has been running her own business as a hairstylist my whole life, and my dad worked at a factory when I was born. But that didn’t last very long for our family of four. One September morning, my dad got into a large accident on his way to work, otherwise known as the 1999 Highway 401 fog accident. Since that day, my father has been unable to work due to the injuries he sustained. Although it has been a misfortune in many ways, I still see it as a blessing in other ways.
My father has always been around to take care of my brother and I. We were always well fed, watched over and loved at all times. He was always there to fix my toys or electronics when I couldn’t figure them out, and I knew that whenever something went wrong, he could make it right.
Once I began playing school sports, my dad always volunteered to drive to the tournaments and games. He was always the parent in the crowd you could count on seeing at every game. Plus, he always put on the best music to sing out loud during the car rides.
I was always especially thankful for him being home when I was sick. I knew that if I called home in the middle of a school day, he’d come pick me up right away. He always drove me to the doctors, picked up my favourite food, and made sure I had what I needed.
Even now that I’m older, I’m still thankful for his presence at home. I was in a car accident at the age of 16, and my dad was the one to ensure that I got back on the road, that the insurance was dealt with, and that I was driven to any medical attention I needed. At the age of 18, I bought my first car. He helped me with the whole process and continues to help me as I discover how to do certain things in adulthood. He still drives me to school when the weather is horrible or if I just don’t feel good.
I have no idea what it’s like to have a full-time working dad, and honestly, I don’t want to find out.