The Wall Street Journal shows how “gatekeeper” mothers can help or hinder the involvement of fathers.
Sue Shellenbarger writes (excerpt):
Some ideas on avoiding the gatekeeping trap:
Skills training. . . . In the hospital after childbirth, Mr. Edwards already knew how to soothe his baby to sleep while his wife recuperated, a good start toward being “a lot more than the guy who carries stuff.”
Peer support. Men are quicker to plunge into fathering when supported by other men. . . .
Awareness. Simply becoming conscious of gatekeeping and its hazards equips some couples to avoid it. . . .