What do you think when you see a dad and his child at a supermarket or mall or strolling down the sidewalk? "How nice of him to give mom a break!" or "What a nice husband!"

More and more dads are opting to stay at home with their kids. Since 2004, the number of stay-at-home dads has risen by 60 percent. Children bond with their mothers while still in the womb, but need to learn who Dad is. For stay-at-home dads, this may happen more quickly.

New fathers fall into several categories:

• "Traditional" dads who are the "breadwinners" and leave caregiving to the moms
• Dads who have jobs, but accept more responsibility in caregiving and spend evenings and weekends with their families
• Fathers who grasp caregiving full force and stay at home full time with their children

Many stay-at-home dads leave their jobs to care for their children. Others leave their positions because - since their partners have the higher salaries - they are the logical ones to stay home. Still others work from home. Some parents alternate shifts so they can both stay home with their children and hold jobs.

The transition is hardest for a dad who is laid off from his job and is basically forced into the caregiver role. Men are used to being the providers. Waking up each day, preparing for work and leaving the home are no longer the goals. Dad now wakes up, throws on some sweats and feeds the family while Mom prepares for work and leaves him to care for the home. While his new role gives him a chance to be nurturing, gentle and downright silly on a daily basis, it's not as easy as it seems. Patience, cooperation, creativity - and more patience - are required, as well as the ability to laugh a lot.

How kids benefit
Studies show that compared to less-involved fathers, dads who spend quality time with their kids are more likely to:

• Influence their children's gender development and are important role models to both sons and daughters
• Have children who are more socially involved and suffer less from depression
• Have kids who:
• • Excel academically
  • Have high SAT scores
  • Are less likely to get involved with alcohol, drugs and crime
  • Have fewer psychological problems

Key points to remember

• Patience is a virtue. You'll need tons of it!
• Laughter is the best medicine. A sense of humor will help get you through the hard times.
• Understand that worrying is normal. Keep it in check and you'll be fine.
• Upper body strength is a must. You'll clock more miles walking the halls with your ill, distressed or unhappy child than you would running a marathon.

The rewards of parenthood are obvious. Don't be denied the opportunity to bond with your child. If you're used to getting together with the guys just to socialize, caring for a new baby can put you in a unique position. If friends don't have kids, they may be less inclined to hang out and discuss dirty diapers.

Stay as active as possible. Take your kids shopping, for a walk or to play at the park or playground. Getting out of the house can help ease any feelings of isolation. If you do start to feel lonely or depressed, talk to your doctor.

Children are amazing little human beings who can turn your world upside down while melting your heart at the same time. The more time you spend with your children, the better people they will become and the more rewarding it will be for you. Laundry can wait - microwaves are great. Read a book, enjoy a game or go out and play. These times are irreplaceable.

Related Articles Avoiding Your Father's Mistakes: How to Be a Great Dad Could You Be a Stay-at-Home Dad? Juggling Your Job and Your Kids?

External Sources American Psychological Association. Stay-at-home dads report high job satisfaction. . Accessed September 18, 2009 Coleman WL, Garfield C, American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health. Fathers and pediatricians: Enhancing men's roles in the care and development of their children. Pediatrics. 2004;113(5):1406-1411.

This article was reviewed and updated 08-01-2009.