No offense to mom, but there are some things dads just do better. From aerial diaper-changes to just saying “screw it, let’s get pizza,” four stay-at-home dads share their daddy hacks for better parenting. Make the best of a crappy situation
“I had to learn how to change [my daughter’s] diaper in the air by the sinks, because men’s bathrooms usually don’t have changing tables, and the floors are so dirty. I take the hand sanitizer, diaper, wipes and creams out and set them up for easy access . . . The mirror can serve as a good distraction. Making funny faces helps keep her relaxed.” — Xavier Rojas
Don’t feel guilty about ordering takeout or delivery
“My son’s a bit clingy at the moment so I don’t always have time to cook dinner. When my wife comes home from work, sometimes there’s a hot meal and sometimes there isn’t. You are always going to feel a little guilty, but there is not much you can do about it when you have a little boy who can dictate your whole day.” — Robert Payne
Ignore your crying baby
“If your baby is crying inconsolably, it’s OK to put the baby down in the crib and give yourself a few minutes if you’re mad or upset. Sit down in the next room and just gather yourself. No baby has ever cried itself to death, so it’ll be fine.” — Jason Greene
Turn chores into playtime
“I love grocery shopping with my daughter. She sits in front of the cart, and we have that wonderful kind of experience of talking about the shopping list, what the store doesn’t have that was on our list, and is Mom gonna be upset that we don’t have a certain kind of tea this week? I actually look forward to grocery shopping.” — Lance Somerfeld
