Men are often criticised by their wives for not pulling their weight in the home - something that can be tricky in the UAE where the working world can demand long hours and overseas travel.
But for every father who shuns domestic responsibility, there are now, thankfully, plenty more who are happy to embrace their paternal role.
In a poll by bayt.com, published in the Personal Finance section of The National this week, 42 per cent of the men polled said family was the most important thing in their lives and more than half said they would be willing to change jobs for more family friendly arrangements at a pay sacrifice.
And isn't it time men took more interest in the home? I've met too many fathers in my time who return home from work after a long day and would rather relax in their "man space" than bathe their children or read them a bedtime story.
Whether their reasoning to take time out for themselves is based on the fact their wife does not work - they cannot ignore the fact that children want, and need, to spend time with "daddy".
And I should know. As a working mother I depend on my husband when it comes to raising our two young children. Since returning to full-time work, the parental responsibility has shifted over to my husband during the working week and he has embraced his new role, saying the extra time has helped him grow closer to our children.
Picking up a two-year-old from nursery and a four-year-old from school is no mean feat for anyone, let alone a man who has been working himself since 7.30am. But my husband does that everyday, without complaint, and enjoys doing so as well.
I suppose I am using this blog to applaud working fathers who are happy to put aside some time everyday to look after their children. Like the men in our story who have balanced their work and personal lives to factor in time with their children, a man who likes and enjoys spending time with family should not be looked down upon but, instead, hailed a hero. In the modern working world, where often both the mother and father need to bring in the bread - it's time all fathers stood up to their responsibilities.
Read more at: http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/personal-finance/men-must-often-choose-between-work-and-fatherhood