How HomeDad Started
HomeDad UK is the only UK support group dedicated to helping dads who are staying at home to bring up their children. We have over 500 members who are either at home full-time, work part-time or are raising kids on their own.
Our website, HomeDad.org.uk, was launched in September 2000 by two stay-at-home dads, Nick Cavender from Watford and Simon Windisch from Reading who realised that there was a lack of support and information for dads at home with their children.
"People assumed that I must know other dads in the same situation," says Nick, "but I didn't. Then, through the internet I met Simon, and he was asking the same sort of questions that I was. Almost all resources for parents are aimed primarily at mothers. Although we were constantly being told in the media that the number of stay-at-home dads was rising, we felt we didn't have a voice."
Nick has stayed at home since his daughter Phoebe was six months old and his wife returned to work. "Initially I said I would do it until she was a year old. But it has worked out so well for us that I am still at home nearly five years later - apart from an eight month break when Ben was born. We swapped back when my wife was on maternity leave again, and I got the chance to go out to work again. But now we are happily back to 'normal'!"
For Simon, being at home with his son Nathan has been a positive experience. "My wife and I were both earning about the same, but whereas she really enjoys her work, I felt I could take it or leave it. So I did, and it's been the best career move I've ever made. No pressure and no deadlines. Admittedly there's no coffee breaks either, but the job satisfaction is absolute."
"HomeDad.org.uk is a really great community." reflects Nick. Although I very much enjoy being at home, and I have a busy and active life with my daughter, before I had little contact with other dads. Now I know dads all over the country who are doing much the same as me. And although I now have some experience to share with them, I still have lots to learn!"