Perhaps we have moved on from the battle of the sexes

The Age last Wednesday had a story entitled Dads challenged to be mums for a weekend, alone.

It sounded like the eternal battle of the housework(!) and that it could be fun if those who take it on are in the right frame of mind.

There was one sentence though that read, ‘she (the organiser) admits there had been some criticism from men who found the idea patronising or insulting…’

And it worried me a bit – that is I think they might have a point.

The battle of the sexes has been of great interest and debate over the decades, however, perhaps we have moved on a bit now.

I think families work things out the best way they can. If both parents are working then sharing household chores makes sense.

Not all of us are naturals at the roles that we find ourselves in, be that motherhood, fatherhood, housework or any other role. It can take time. And sometimes it takes help from others – paid help or extended family help. And that’s OK.

The real problems occur when people need help, but are not able to identify that or seek it out. That’s where loved ones and friends need to step up.

I guess I just want to salute those men who do a great job with their kids on their own. We have in our Rogan families, some men raising babies and toddlers on their own, showing remarkable resilience.

No competition needed there.

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