I'm a stay-at-home dad.

Now, when you read that, you are likely to picture any number of stereotypical images.

Beyond those images, people, especially men, immediately lose respect for you as a man.

They picture you in the equally stereotypical image of women making dinner with an apron on, cleaning the house, talking baby talk to children, going on play dates, watching talk shows, gossiping, etc.

And if you think I'm merely assuming that they do, you're wrong. You can tell in the mannerisms and things they say after hearing that you are a stay-at-home dad.

"Man, it must be nice to not have to go into work everyday!"

F*** you. I work harder than you do because I'm home raising two boys during the day, then spending family time when their mom comes home, and then when everyone goes to sleep, I'm up until 2am working.

"Man, it must be nice just chilling out every day, doing nothing!"

Nothing? I get the boys up for school at 6:45 am. Make them breakfast. When they come home at different times, I'm there to welcome them. I make lunch. I play with them. I put them down for a nap. I work when they sleep. When they wake up, I'm at their beck and call. During summer, there is no school so they are home the whole day. And yeah, when everyone finally goes to sleep, I'm up for hours into the night working my career job.

"Hee hee. You got any good recipes?"

I can't cook. I can make a mean corn dog in the microwave or a PBJ. Give me a grill and I can make some burgers and dogs, just like you. But say that again. Seriously. Say that again;)

They honestly do treat you like a lesser man.

Women can often do the same. Try being a dad with kids at the playground during the day. You will often feel ostracized. Like you don't belong. Like you are invading some sorority meeting.

Now, this isn't always the case. And yes, we live in a different time where this is happening so much more often. Virtual offices are increasing each year.

But it's still taboo to most, whether or not people will admit to that.

That all said, I wouldn't change it for the world. I struggle with my own insecurities and above annoyances, but I wouldn't have it any other way beyond giving my wife a chance to do the same.

I work my ass off. I try my best to raise my boys right.

I'm a guy just like any 9-5 working guy. I just work harder and have more responsibility than most can possibly imagine;) And I have an increased respect for women. Both career women and homemakers.

The general stereotype is basically the Mr. Mom image. A man that has a wife that is more successful than he. A man who is not really a great catch because he's not a doctor, lawyer, business owner, manager, foreman, driver, engineer, etc. A man who can't bring home the bread for his own family.

I'm a writer and consultant. I don't need to work in an office. I don't need to work a 9-5 job. And my "situation" allows my children to have a parent in the house during their childhood 24-7. Beyond that, I'm a guy just like any other guy. I'm a man just like any other man.

Don't call me Mr. Mom. Just call me a man trying to be the best father and husband he can be.