Breaking the Mold, Together

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
— Ecclesiastes 4:9–10a (NIV)

There are so many stereotypes out there—breastfeeding versus pumping, traditional household roles, who cooks, who stays home. And while I’m not opposed to anyone’s choice—that’s each family’s election—I never expected the path mine would take.

Something I never saw coming was becoming a single dad. And with that came learning how to cook, how to show up fully, even when it wasn’t easy. Some days, especially early on, I had to take it hour by hour—sometimes minute by minute.

And now, raising our girls together, I’ve noticed how some stereotypes still try to linger. For instance, when it comes to feeding our little ones, Cata pumps rather than breastfeeds. That’s what’s worked best for her, and we haven’t lost any connection with our daughters because of it. In fact, I think it’s brought more flexibility and support into our rhythm. Working from home full-time means that when Cata is in meetings and one of the girls is hungry, I can step in and feed them. At night, we tag-team—one of us doesn’t always have to be the one getting up.

As I’ve written before, it’s divide and conquer. We don’t always say it out loud, but something our friends and family often remind us of is how inspired they are by the way we do life. They can’t believe we both work full-time from home and still manage to care for our two girls.

I believe it’s because Cata and I make a great team. Even when she has to travel for work or training, I stay with the girls and keep the rhythm going. We’ve learned what works for us, and we stick with it—together.

Stereotypes can be loud, but grace is stronger. The beauty is in walking your own path with your people by your side.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the unique stories You’re writing in our families. Help us embrace the roles You’ve placed us in, not based on the world’s expectations, but through love, teamwork, and grace. Strengthen every parent who feels unseen and every partnership that feels stretched. May we lean on each other and on You. Amen.