Stereotype Expectations of Mum vs Dad

 Mum

1. She will always be there for you
2. Should stay at home to look after the kids
3. Keep ontop of the housework
4. Can't have too much time off or they are incompetent parents
5. Have to plan going out
6. If they are stressed, should carry on and suck it up
7. Are selfish if they treat themselves
8. Is expected to want to look after her children as much as possible
9. Can't complain - they wanted their kids
10. Need to look good otherwise they are neglecting themselves/ letting themselves go
11. Should be great at time-keeping and organisation
12. Shouldn't rely on benefits, but can't work too much either!

Dad

1. He will be there when he can be
2. Should be earning money out at work
3. Shouldn't have to do housework when they have been at work all day
4. Can take time off for recreational activities 
5. Don't have to plan going out 
6. If they are stressed, should try to relax
7. Are looking after themselves and deserve a treat
8. Is expected to want to walk away or not be a full time Dad
9. Didn't get a choice in continuing with the pregnancy
10. Can have 'the Dad bod' and get chubby or forget to shave
11. Are organised enough to be at work - why should they do more than that?
12. Is entitled to benefits such as working tax credit, but also shouldn't work too much - it's neglect!

The question of what sort of company parents keep comes into this debate - should we be in a relationship with the other parent? Is it okay to date if you're a single parent, and when is the right time to introduce the kids? The questions go on and on. Mostly, the age and relationship status as well as financial situation play vital roles in the stereotyping that the public are tempted to place upon the parent. They may be seen as lazy if they stay at home to look after their children, or alternatively are not allowing them the attention they need if they are out too much (or arrange babysitting too often).

On the whole, these judgements are not based on any known facts, and more are down to assumptions wrongly made. We all stereotype to some degree - it is how we can make an informed decision about other people, for example deciding whether a stranger may be safe to approach. However, allowing these conclusions hastily made about an individual you have never met before to cloud your judgement of them can be harsh. Who really fits the stereotype 100% anyway?

In my opinion, it is best to judge a book by not it's cover, but it's blurb - that is to say that if you find out a little about a person you may be surprised (they are not what you thought) and even want to get to know them better!