Dog Tag Dads: Stay at home dads unite

by Carmen Schott
Ramstein Family Advocacy outreach manager

According to U.S. census data, the number of stay-at-home dads has more than doubled in the past decade from 81,000 in 2001 to 176,000 in 2012. More families are balancing and re-addressing who is going to work outside of the home.

In the military community, many active-duty spouses are men. With military life comes frequent moves, deployments, child care issues and job instability. Many male spouses struggle to find employment and career advancement.

As a result, some dads are deciding to stay home and raise their children, allowing their spouse to focus on continued active-duty service.

At Ramstein, stay-at-home dads have banded together to form the “Dog Tag Dads.” This group was designed by stay-at-home dads who enjoy getting out of the house to share stories, relax and have fun. This group meets at 11:30 a.m. every Monday and Tuesday and at Vogelweh Bowling Alley.  The group also meets twice a month at the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center on Ramstein by the children’s play area (days and times vary). The group plans a variety of activities and ways for stay-at-home dads to unite and support each other.

For more information, email dogtagdads@gmail.com or visit Dog Tag Dads on Facebook.