Trading Deals for Diapers: A Salute to Remarkable Dads

Sheryl Sandberg has said that the decision of who you marry is the single most important career decision. 

That’s especially true if you’re a woman and plan to or already have kids, given the burden and juggling act that is career and family.

From the C-suite to the playground, I’ve noticed a shift in how men are showing up as dads. On this Father’s Day, I want to thank the men out there who are creating more equality in their families and helping to change gender norms. 

Thank you to the dads taking their full paternity leave. It’s not easy – both to step away from your job and to figure out your new baby. But by taking that time, you are signaling to others that it’s important and acceptable for men to prioritize their families. 

My husband worked at a multinational financial services firm when our daughter was born. They had a good parental leave policy, but not many fathers took the full leave they were offered. He did – despite knowing he would miss out on deals and sales commission – and it remains the thing I’m most proud of about him. 

I appreciate the dads on the playground, soothing the inevitable owies and trying to manage the meltdowns. 

I’m grateful to the men who are schlepping their kids around the birthday party circuit, awkwardly making small talk while losing the battle to control their kid’s sugar intake. 

I see you, dads, leaving work at 5 to pick up your kids from after care and rescheduling meetings so you can attend field day. 

I’m impressed by the stay-at-home dads. It can’t be easy to buck convention (not to mention the work and patience involved with caring for children).

Thank you to the men who are weighing their career decisions against their family’s needs and deliberately choosing to take their foot off the gas. 

My Dad turned down certain opportunities in his career because he didn’t want to travel like his own father had. He made a deliberate decision to be more involved in raising me and my brother. While I could have done without his enthusiastic shouting on the sidelines at soccer games, his presence positively influenced who I am and what I value. Thank you, Dad.

To all the amazing dads out there who are redefining what it means to be a father, I raise a virtual toast of sippy cup juice to you. Thanks for all you do.