Corey Perrine Photography

Essay: Mr. Mom

Since 2007 John Iaquinta, of Nashua, N.H. has been a stay at home dad while his wife Maura works in the medical recruiting industry. Her success there vs. his long hours as an accountant caused them to think it be more economical and less stressful if he be the homebody. John is one in 159,000 at home males, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. While roles are reversed from traditional social norms, the love that permeates in their home is the same as any other New England family. While it's uncertain how long they plan to live this way, one thing is for certain, it works for them.

John Iaquinta drives home his daughter Cameron, 3, from pre-school June 9 in Nashua, N.H. Cameron holds an ice pack on her face after bumping her cheek climbing into the truck.
   
John plays with Cameron, 3, in their pool June 9 at their home in Nashua, N.H. John claims most think it's all fun and games being a stay at home dad, which is contrary to that sentiment, although it has its moments of fun.
   
John Iaquinta changes the diapers of his son Max, 14 weeks, while his daughter Cameron, 3, sleeps Tuesday, June 10 at their home in Nashua, N.H.
     
  
John Iaquinta waters the garden while Cameron, 3, points out her discoveries June 10 at their Nashua, N.H. home. John likes to answer questions for Cameron where he says, "Most parents get frustrated or annoyed, I like to see her think."
   
John Iaquinta carries son Max, 14 weeks, up the stairs in typical "man-logic fashion," June 10 at their Nashua, N.H. home. "I don't do Maura's laundry anymore because I shrink it," John said with a laugh.
   
Cameron, 3, hangs off her mother Maura as she works from home June 10 in Nashua, N.H. Maura admits to feeling bad that she can't be there for precious moments while she works a telephone-intensive job in the medical industry. However, her company lets her work from home a few times a week to compensate.
     
  
Maura helps iron clothes before heading to work. John says this is a way she contributes to the morning routine although he can handle it. John still wants her to feel like she's part of the family despite a hectic schedule.
   
Cameron points out her tounge after brushing her teeth to John. "Look it's blue," she said.
   
John Iaquinta gets Cameron, 3, ready for pre-school June 11 at their home in Nashua, N.H. Cameron watches T.V. in between moments as John does this ritual each morning.
     
  
From left, John Iaquinta, Max, 14 weeks, Cameron, 3, and Maura read a book before bedtime Wednesday, June 14 at their home in Nashua, N.H. This night time ritual is common with one to three books per night.
   
John helps Cameron rinse before bed.
   
John Iaquinta rests his eyes after starting his morning routine while Max, 14 weeks, does the same at their home in Nashua, N.H. According to John, mornings are sluggish.