He is careful to correct the phrase “stay at home” as he doesn’t just stay at home and has a few goals in mind for his chosen status: 1. Not be isolated 2. Use his background in youth ministry to reach out to Dads in the city of Cincinnati and beyond.

When Brock came to our office for this interview, he brought his two adorable children with him and wore a shirt that read “Dads Don’t Babysit” coupled with a belt buckle that read “Dad”. He walked into the room with the intention of connection and what better conversation starters that those adornments! The shirt phrase is the motto of The National At-Home Dad Network, Brock told us, a group he is passionate about and a member of. Their motto is simple: “To provide advocacy, community, education and support for families where fathers are primary caregivers for their children”. He is also involved in the National City Dad’s group which has been active for ten years and has a mission to “Help fathers across the nation socialize and support one another”.

Brock’s at-home dad adventure started two years ago when he and his wife decided that he would transition into being at home, full time, to care for their children. He searched for play groups and local parenting groups for support and couldn’t find anything with his specific needs, a Dads’ group. There were over 100 moms’ groups but nothing specific for Dads. Using his friendly and ambitious nature coupled with his talent on social media, he started a free grassroots group called “Cincinnati Dad’s Group”. There are currently over 400 members involved, both at home and working, and they are open to everyone identifying as a Dad. Different cultures, religion, sexual identity, age and job choice are all welcome. The group primarily interacts online in their Facebook and Meet-Up groups but also have a private group for those who do stay home and want to get together for activities during the day. They also have “Dad’s Night Out” every third Thursday of the month. There seems to be something for every personality type!

We were left with one final statement from Brock and we feel it is very important. He would love for young women, his daughter included, to realize that if they want to have a career, they can make that happen within their family structure and it’s not a taboo thing for the dad to stay home with the kids. There is more support than you realize if you are an at home parent and specifically for dads. There are local and national organizations devoted to supporting each other which is what we all can to do more of. So in conclusion, next time you’re at the park or play area and you see someone who looks like a Dad with their children, take a moment to observe and withhold judgment and maybe even strike up a friendly conversation. That may be the support that Dad needs to get through the day!