Photo courtesy the Brandli Family
The Brandli’s pose for a family picture. James Brandli has come to appreciate motherhood through his role as Mr. Mom.

The men of motherhood

The idea of Mr. Mom has gone beyond just a song to a reality

Lindsay Law LAW05002@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

Mr. Mom. It’s a song. It’s a movie. And for some people, it’s a lifestyle.

In March 2003, there were 299,000 married-family households in the United States in which the wife was in the labor force and the husband was at home with at least one child under 6, according to an article in USA Today.

While the number of working mothers has dropped slightly since 2000, 75 percent of mothers with school-age children are employed or looking for work, according to the December U.S. Census report.

Families at BYU-Idaho experience this role reversal too.

Gus Zamora, a senior from Hacienda Heights, Calif., said he and his wife Becky have been taking turns with their kids for two semesters while they both attend classes.

Zamora said he likes to be able to spend time with his two children, but there are difficult times too, such as dealing with them when they fight or when they get sick.

“The hardest part is usually getting the kids to sit down at a table and eat a meal,” Zamora said.

For James Brandli, a sophomore from Fort Smith, Ark., the best part of his role as Mr. Mom is bringing his 5-year-old daughter, Sophie, to class with him. “I like hanging out with Sophie. She’s a stud,” Brandli said.

Brandli said the experience has given him a greater appreciation for motherhood.

“Moms have a better ability to be compassionate. I’m good for the discipline,” Brandli said.

Many stay-at-home fathers appreciate the closeness they feel with their children.

Tyler Duersch, a senior from Rexburg, has taken care of his boys for three years while his wife works as a teacher.

“My favorite part is that I get to have an experience most fathers don’t get to have. It has opened my eyes to the reality of what is involved with a stay-at-home parent,” Duersch said.

Duersch said the hardest part is trying to keep up with three kids and finding time to work on homework. His family is always top priority.

“The first thing I am is a father and husband; the last thing is a student and designer,” Duersch said.