Ep.2 Stay-at-Home Dads

英語 × 英文 × 樂詞不疲

Intro
Who should be the breadwinner in a family? The father? The mother? Or both? In the past, men were often the breadwinners. They went to work and brought home money. Women took care of the children and the house. A woman like this was called a stay-at-home mom.
In our times, there has been a role reversal. Many women work, and some men are willing to stay at home with the children. A man like this is called a stay-at-home dad. Being a stay-at-home mom or stay-at-home dad is not for everyone. Staying at home all day can make a person feel stir crazy. For some people, though, it’s the perfect lifestyle.
Jordin and Andy are talking about stay-at-home dads. Listen to today’s English lesson to find out what they think!
Dialogue
Jordin: So, Joey and I have been talking about having kids soon actually.
Andy_H: Oh my gosh, that’s so exciting, Jordin! Congratulations!
Jordin: Thanks! Yeah, it’s actually brought up some really interesting conversations for us, you know. But one of the ones that really struck me is the idea that we can actually choose which one of us is going to be the breadwinner and which one of us is going to stay and take care of the kids.
Andy_H: Well, I think, naturally, you should be the breadwinner.
Jordin: That’s what we were saying! I’ve got this great job that I love, and I really want to keep doing it. Joey actually feels like he might be more willing and interested in staying home with the kids. Even though that’s sort of countercultural, I think that’s what we’re going to do.
Andy_H: First of all, the guy as the breadwinner is so old-fashioned. I mean, look, evolution is happening, times are changing. Dads are just as good with kids as moms…
Jordin: Totally!
Andy_H: ... if not, in my opinion, a little better, but that’s because…
Jordin: Oh, shut up!
Andy_H: ... that’s because I want to be a stay-at-home dad. When I think about the role reversal, I could do my entire job at home, in my pajamas, and I don’t actually have to go out and work.
Jordin: That would drive me stir crazy.
Andy_H: If times truly are changing and men finally get to be at home, then so be it, sign me up, I want to be a stay-at-home dad.
Jordin: That’s awesome, I love it.
Discussion
Andy is excited that Jordin and her husband are talking about having children. It’s a big decision, and it brought up a lot of interesting conversations for her and Joey. One thing that surprised Jordin is that in these times, she can be the breadwinner and Joey can be a stay-at-home dad. It’s a role reversal that works for them. Jordin loves her job and Joey is willing to take care of the kids.
Why is Andy so excited about stay-at-home dads? Because he wants to be one! Whether it’s countercultural or not, he thinks it’s a great idea. Our world is changing. People are starting to see that dads can be good moms. Andy would like to wear pajamas and work from home when he’s a dad. Jordin is happy to leave this job to people like Joey and Andy, since staying home makes her feel stir crazy.
Who is the breadwinner in your family? Are you willing to be a stay-at-home parent someday?
Grammar Point
Comparing Quality
Andy thinks stay-at-home dads are great. He says, “Dads are just as good with kids as moms.” Andy uses a comparative phrase showing equality.
There are a couple of different ways to make comparisons of quality. With a one-syllable adjective or a word ending in -y or -ly, add the suffix -er or -ier to form a comparative phrase with than. For example, “This apple is redder than that one,” or, “My bag is heavier than yours.”
With an adjective or adverb of more-than-one syllable, use more or less to create the comparative phrase with than. For example, “This dress is more beautiful than that one,” or, “These flowers are less colorful than those flowers.”
To show that two things have the same quality, use as…as to compare similar aspects of quality (adjective) or of manner (adverb) of two items. You could say, “My bicycle is as fast as your bicycle,” or, “My dog runs as quickly as Ann’s dog.”
This is what Andy is doing when he says, “Dads are just as good with kids as moms.” He means that both mothers and fathers can take good care of their children. Just is an extra word in his sentence. It’s often used to make an unexpected or surprising comparison.
Which is correct, “My job is less demanding as your job,” or, “My job is less demanding than your job”?
Quiz
❶　How does Jordin feel about her job?

• She wants to quit.
• She enjoys it and wants to continue doing it.　✓
• She’d rather be a stay-at-home mom.
• She likes it, but Joey wants her to take care of the (future) kids.

❷　What does Andy think about stay-at-home dads?

• They get to wear pajamas at home all day.　✓
• They have to work very hard.
• They’re silly.
• They probably all feel stir crazy.

❸　What is another way to agree with something?

• It struck me.
• Times are changing.
• So be it.　✓
• Be countercultural.

❹　Which is NOT a comparative phrase?

• My grades are better than hers.
• It’s as hot as it was yesterday.
• We arrived earlier today.
• He’s a good runner.　✓

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