I've always admired those celebrity dads who, despite their A-list status, are still so hands-on as parents, because they truly want to be an integral part of their kids' lives.
And that's why I was so disappointed when I heard that Matthew McConaughey isn't changing his new son Livingston's diapers. Yes, Matthew McConaughey -- as in the same dude who is always seen playing with his kids on the beach and looking all happy and normal and totally unpretentious.
At the New York Film Critics Circle Award Dinner, he told People, "I was there (not sure where he means) this morning, so I guess I am running home. But I'm not changing the diapers."
Oh, yeah, he said that all right. And when asked who is changing his newborn son's diapers, he simply said, "Somebody." (WTF?)
Wow. I don't know about you, but Matthew definitely went down a few notches in my book after that statement.
I don't care how famous you are, if you're a dad, you should be ready and willing to get your hands dirty and take on every single task that every other parent in America has to take on -- including running the risk of being pooped on, peed on, or a combination of both while changing diapers.
And sadly, celebrity dads aren't the only "fathers" who refuse to do diaper duty. Not too long ago, I knew a guy (we'll call him a former friend) who also refused to change his baby girls' diapers, and I always viewed him as a total deadbeat for thinking he was somehow above cleaning up after his own kids. What's even worse is that he used to brag about the fact that he refused to change diapers -- like admitting it was supposed to make him sound more endearing to those around him or something. (For the record, it didn't. What a loser.)
Yes, diapers can be messy. And yes, sometimes (like when a major blowout is involved) they can be nothing short of gross and gag-inducing. But it's also part of the deal when it comes to having babies, and if you aren't going to take it on, then perhaps you shouldn't have become a dad in the first place.
Ok, so maybe I'm overreacting a bit because my husband was just so hands-on with our son and has never complained about any part of parenting, so I expect all dads to be the same way. But honestly, shouldn't all moms expect the father of their children to step up to the plate and be involved in every aspect of parenting? Is that really asking too much?
Does your baby's father change diapers?
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Comments 15
That being said:
If I were a multi-millionaire, I might just never change a diaper my damn self. Think about it. He can afford for someone to do the dirty work for him, AND there are plenty of people, myself included, who would jump through a flaming hoop for the chance to care for children while making a great salary.
I would gladly pay someone to do the icky stuff, or be paid for doing it.
He's furthering the economy in my opinion.
I'm with you, Mutts. More jobs being created in this economy is not always a bad thing. I don't think refusing to handle baby poo makes you a bad parent.
How many women change their own oil? Fix the toilet when it's leaking? Fix that septic/sewer backup because someone threw something down the toilet that didn't belong? Heck, how many women call their spouses in to squish a spider?
Some guys don't like it. Big, fat, hairy deal. What's he doing otherwise? Playing with the kids? Spending time with them? Teaching them? Disciplining them? Singing them to sleep, cuddling them when they hurt, holding them when they have a nightmare?
Diapers don't make a dad.
I don't know whether he's being serious or not, but I do personally know a dad who acts as though his job ended when he pulled out. Three kids and five years later, the man has still not changed one diaper. I'm currently debating whether or not I can stay friends with the mom, given how she just accepts his behavior.
Now, my husband does EVERYTHING I do. He does diapers, baths, middle of the night vomiting. He may not pick up his dirty clothes, but the man is a hell of a father. I hope my daughters find men as good to father their children.