More Dads Staying At Home; Ohio News Network Interview with Dr. Jennifer Pitzer, Research Associate for the Economics Center

CINCINNATI — Mark Fightmaster enjoys the chance to spend story time with his children Tess, Cade and Cameron.

Mark said he has learned to be very patient in his new job which includes disciplining this kids and cooking family dinners.

Just ask Tess, who will rave about her father's tacos and macaroni.

Mark admits trading in his briefcase for the laundry basket was not his first choice.

"It was difficult. The thing that hurt me the most was my ego. I had been the bread winner," he said.

In 2008, Mark was let go from his job which left him angry and hurt.

"The first couple of days we were in panic mode because I was a couple months pregnant at the time," said Mark's wife, Valerie.

With a mortgage to pay and a third child on the way, Valerie said it was all about perseverance. They were living paycheck to paycheck.

Valerie went back to work after she had the baby and Mark realized he had to be "Mr. Mom."

The choice made financial sense since the cost of day care for three kids was out of the question. Mark said it would have been between $1,500-$1,600 a month.

The Fightmaster's story is one experts are spotting all over the country in this economy, reported ONN's Lot Tan.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, labor force participation among married men declined in 2010. The Census Bureau reports last year there were 158,000 stay-at-home dads, up from 140,000 in 2008.

Research associate Jennifer Pitzer with the University of Cincinnati's Economics Center said there's been talk of a double dip recession.

"People have been experiencing last year, while we hope it will ease, we are not seeing signs it will," Pitzer said. "It's entirely possible that men are feeling affected by this, exiting the labor force, unable to find jobs."

Mark is looking hard to find employment that will enable Valerie to stay home and enjoy what he gets now. He said a part of him wants to be the one making money for his family.

But he also admits he has enjoyed watching his kids laugh, play and grow.

"Definitely gives me an appreciation what moms go through," he said.

So, for now, he will cherish the time he spends reading with the kids.