Friday 4 December 2009

Don't call me a house-husband!

I'm really not sure why, but one thing that really winds me up, or "grinds my gears" is when people call me a house-husband. Maybe it shouldn't bother me, on paper that's what I am: I'm married, I don't go to work, I take care of the house, etc...
Perhaps it's because "house-husband" is a title we don't hear very often and as such there's no kudos or air of reponsibility associated with the position. Ask anyone what a housewife is/does and the answer will inevitably be "stays at home and looks after the kids". Ask the same person what a house-husband is and I doubt you'd get the same answer.

Recently, I had to call my car insurance company to update a few details, the desk jockey on the other end of the phone went through my personal information and when it got to "occupation" I got the usual "So, you're a house-husband then?" in a "half taking the piss" kind of voice, to which I felt the usual need to explain that I was a stay-at-home dad thanks very much. The "half taking the piss" voice disappeared with a "ooh, I don't think I could do that, mate" and Mr desk jockey started taking me seriously again.

Maybe it's just me, maybe I'm just being sensitive, maybe it doesn't matter. All I know is I'm doing a job that is all about taking care of my daughter so I'd like a job title that reflects this, be it stay-at-home dad, house-father, daddy-day-care, non-working child rearing executive, toddler entertainment supervisor, etc etc...

Call me what you will, just don't call me a house-husband :)