This past weekend, while women marched for essential rights, fathers in Montclair, New Jersey, found themselves navigating the day solo at cafes and parks. The New York Times seized the opportunity to cover this rare event with the article titled, “How Vital Are Women? This Town Found Out as They Left to March.” And honestly, we have to ask, “What is happening here?”
In this piece celebrating the “bravery” of fathers, sports writer Mark Johnson detailed the struggles of Montclair dads who were left alone to care for their children while their wives participated in the Women’s March on Washington. The article opened with observations about the empty yoga studios and coffee shops, setting a tone of comedic desperation.
The focus of the article was on how fathers managed to juggle parenting duties for the day, which even the men interviewed seemed to find amusing. For instance, one dad, Tom Hayes, remarked, “Doing everything by myself for a day isn’t my usual routine,” but he didn’t sound overwhelmed—just acknowledging the reality. In contrast, Johnson described the day as if it were a calamity: “Routines were thrown into chaos, and fathers attempted to meet the weekend demands alone…birthday parties, dance recitals, swimming lessons…” The horror!
One particularly baffling line read, “Growling stomachs required filling on a regular basis.” Were these dads unaware that kids simply needed a meal? Should we really be highlighting the fact that children require food? It seems absurd.
Ultimately, the fathers conveyed a simple message: “I’m just doing my best.” Yet, Johnson interpreted this as a tragedy: “Fathers abandoned by their wives struggle to remember if children need coats.” There was a humorous quote from one dad who noted the irony of his wife advocating for equality while he missed a sports game and cleaned out the fridge. However, this sentiment didn’t resonate with most dads.
The piece was frustrating for many reasons. First, don’t claim to discuss the importance of women while only focusing on mothers. Women offer value in numerous roles, far beyond just parenting. Second, many women have spent years managing their children’s needs, so why do we still celebrate men simply for being present? The accompanying images showcased dads doing basic tasks, like helping with coats or playing in the park. How about we have a parade for that?
Moreover, the stereotype of the bumbling dad is outdated. Many fathers today share equal responsibilities in childcare. Yes, some men may still lag behind, but articles like this perpetuate the idea that everyday parenting is an extraordinary feat for them.
But all was well by Saturday night when the wives returned home. As Johnson concluded, “The local yoga studio reported full attendance, and many fathers breathed sighs of relief.”
One mother, Erin Smith, summarized it well: “He was great, and there was no expectation he wouldn’t be. He’s a parent, not a babysitter. The kids are still alive.” We can only hope this reminds dads that caring for kids is just part of the gig.
For more insights into parenting, check out our post on home insemination techniques. If you’re exploring the idea of starting a family, Make A Mom is a great resource for information on insemination kits. Additionally, WomensHealth.gov offers excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
The New York Times published an article highlighting the struggles of fathers left to care for their children while their wives marched for women’s rights. The portrayal of these dads as heroic for handling basic parenting tasks raised eyebrows, as many women manage these responsibilities daily. The piece sparked discussions about outdated stereotypes and the importance of recognizing women’s multifaceted roles in society.