Daddy Doin' Work by
Doyin Richards My rating:
3 of 5 stars I believe Doyin Richards has a huge heart and passion for making sure kids have the dads they deserve. I love his blog and think his family is blessed to have him, just as I know he must feel equally blessed.
As a wife for 22 years, mom of two, 19 and 13, I'm equally blessed to have a husband that qualifies as a Daddy Doin Work. That being said, I feel Richards' book puts the weight square on the woman's shoulders. If he's not helping and won't change, leave. If he's fantastic, make sure you don't drive him away.
I think it's a bit naive for a father with less than four years experience to throw out such statements. Just because one stay at home mom left doesn't mean this is a viable option for every woman. This is just one part of the book that had me shaking my head.
I do agree with ideas like increasing paid family leave, and respecting every parent who works in or out of the home, no matter the gender.
I feel a better book would have been how to raise boys and girls to be better parents, and how to wisely choose a parenting partner. Stories from Doyin's childhood would have been great examples on how to raise future Daddies Doing Work.
I'd love to read a book by Richards after his girls have hit the teen years. Experience has taught me that even the best marriages don't split every chore 50/50, and the best intentioned daddy will screw up, and even let his family down. No one is perfect; and until every kid comes with a handbook at birth, parenting is a learning experience.
I wish Richards' the very best--in his family and writing career, as well as his mission to increase Daddies Doin Work. This book is an earnest first work. I'm quite sure future works will only improve and further this mission.
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