'Dad's don't babysit' t-shirt causes internet debate over 'parenting'

The post has split opinions

Published 27th Apr 2016

A photo of a dad has gone viral wearing a t-shirt with the caption ‘Dad’s don’t babysit. (It’s called “parenting”).

The picture, which was uploaded to social media by parenting blogger The Dad Dynamic, has taken the internet by storm causing serious debate amongst the public.

Dad Dynamic, also known as Al Ferguson, is using the t-shirt to address the issues fathers come across whilst looking after their children.

The discussion brings up topics including the incorrect label dads receive such as ‘babysitters’ and ‘helpers’ despite looking after their own children.

One user commented saying “I DESPISE hearing a dad say they have to “babysit” you’re the dad!!! It’s your responsibility and should always be your top priority to watch, care and provide (love, food, clothes etc) for them just as much as it is the mom’s."

Another agreed saying “Pretty simple. It’s called ‘being a dad’ not ‘babysitting’. Babysitting is something you do with OTHER people’s children. Not your own. Thank God, my girls’ dad got it.”

However, some took a different approach, another user said “Who cares what you call it? Babysitting? Parenting? Adolescent retention specialist? I don’t care what you call it. I spend as much time was I can with my daughter. Do I call it babysitting? Sometimes. Does it make me a bad parent? Hell no. Political correctness is killing us. Lighten up!"

In a recent interview, The Dad Dynamic said “I’ve had people ask me ‘Are you looking after the kids today? Or ‘I can tell you’ve dressed the baby today’."

The Dad Network | © Facebook

He went on to add “It’s just out of date. The modern dad is more active in their family life than they were historically. It’s out of date to assume the mum is the primary caregiver.”

The t-shirt in question is currently on sale with all profits from the top going to National At-Home Dad Network (NAHDN).

To follow Al's posts follow on Facebook.