Stay at Home Dads?? (Grafton, Sturbridge: house, transfer, school)

[BigShadow]

We're currently considering an offer from my wife's employer to move from UK to MA. I won't even go into the whole 'where to live' issue until we narrow it down a bit.

My question is about Dads who stay home with the kids whilst Mum goes to work. To make the move easier for the kids, we are thinking that I will not work for the first year or so. This will enable me to be there for our youngest who has not started school yet and also for our son who will go into 2nd Grade - I think.

Do many Dads stay at home with the kids in MA? Am I likely to be considered some sort of freak? I have visions of us being seen as the odd family in town, and that will give us problems integrating.

All and any thoughts welcome - I'm a thick-skinned Brit.

[skytrekker]

Bigshadow

your situation is becoming more common in the states- especially in the Northeast and west coast- you should have no problems here.

[BigShadow]

Thanks for quick response. One less thing to worry about - now if only the answers to the other 775 were so easy.

[MAtoNC!]

This is a SAHD on this forum from Sturbridge and there is a SAHD that goes to a playgroup at a local church in Grafton on Monday mornings. It's getting to be more common.

[Katezli]

I have two SAHD friends (one in Massachusetts, one in Maryland). I think that they have both found it challenging, but also enjoyed being home with their kids. I think people on the whole have been very accepting and encouraging-- this hasn't been a problem. But I believe each has found it a little awkward trying to socialize during the day (playgroups and such) with groups that are almost always all moms. That being said, I know they both are very happy with the choices they have made and that they were the right choices for their families. Good luck with your move!

[BigShadow]

Thanks for encouraging responses. I know it can be difficult mixing in circles that are predominantly moms, but socially awkward and challenging I can handle. Being considered a 'strange' family would be more difficult, so I'm glad to see that it may not be as big an issue as I first feared.

[scottinmass]

Originally Posted by MAtoNC?

This is a SAHD on this forum from Sturbridge and there is a SAHD that goes to a playgroup at a local church in Grafton on Monday mornings. It's getting to be more common.

MAtoNC, you are a stay at home dad in sturbridge? So am I!!
I am moving to Raleigh also next year..

[MAtoNC!]

Oh no, I saw your posts before about being a SAHD in Sturbridge. I'm a SAHM My dh has been looking into network engineer positions in NC.

[scottinmass]

oh ok, does he work at fidelity? are you selling your house now?

[MAtoNC!]

Nope, wish he did so he could transfer! LOL! We won't sell until he finds a job there. He has had two phone interviews so far with a couple of companies in Raleigh.