Even ‘good’ dads still not seen as equal

As a single working father of four, Johnny Edwards is on the mark when he discusses the gushing attention he gets when he’s simply parenting his daughter (“Just us,” Living & Arts, June 17). I’m regularly told that I’m a “Good Dad” when I’m simply in line with the kids anywhere (but especially the grocery store). It’s always a woman telling me that I’m a “good dad.”

I suspect these are the same women who refer to dads taking care of their own kids as “babysitting.” Further, male parents are often actively excluded from female-parent-dominated activities and organizations.

As an example, I volunteer for the parent’s circle at my daughters’ school. At recent meetings and events, one of the mothers ends with the statement, “Good job, ladies!” As a man, it’s hard to know how to respond to that. Until male parents are accepted as equals in parenting, women will continue to have a hard time being accepted as equals outside the home.

DR. MARK J. SHUMATE, ROSWELL

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