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 :)

4 comments:

  1. I really liked this post and I think you did a great job with it. For a house husband anyway!

    (kidding, just kidding!)

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  2. I call myself a houseband, often in a 'What about it' type tone. Hate that half piss taking voice with a passion.

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  3. Diapering Aficionado, Parenting Hobbyist, Man-About The Kitchen... I could do this all day.

    Whatever you want to call your job, it deserves the highest level of respect and if you don't like it when someone calls you a house-husband, you have the right to tell him to STICK IT!

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  4. I broke my hand last year and at the reception in casualty I explained my occupation as the nurse took down the details...
    'Oh, I'll put down 'household management' she said!
    I've used it ever since when on the 'phone to desk jockeys.

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