“Since having children, I don’t focus on myself so much. My life has a greater purpose and more meaning.” — Cameron Kurowski, of Asheville
The evolving role of fathers From boardroom to delivery room, today’s dads tackle parenthood with style By Lockie Hunter WNC Parent contributor The role of fatherhood has advanced over the past few decades. While my own father never changed a diaper, my husband’s role is one of total involvement in every aspect of child rearing. And work-life balance is crucial as fathers strive to spend quality time with their children. “I think I have come to see that my job is not the thing that should dominate my life,” says Keith Pruitt, of Asheville. “I shouldn’t be willing to sacrifice my time with my family in a lifestyle way. I don’t want my kids to get used to not seeing me. That scares me.” A generation ago, my father was in the waiting room handing out the proverbial cigar. Holly Musgrove, of Asheville, had a very different experience with her husband, Cameron Kurowski, when her children were born. “Cam was in the delivery room for both children,” she says. “He was an active coach. I couldn’t have done it without him.” Having the father present during the delivery is becoming the norm. “I was in the delivery room for Esther’s birth,” Pruitt says. “Honestly, it was one of those moments that felt so much bigger than me.” Volker Frank, of Asheville, was also present for the birth of his daughter Sophia. “We had a Caesarian. Since we had tried to have a child for about eight years or so, seeing it all come down to this moment was a bit heavy,” Frank says. “And yet there she was, pink and so hairy, she had more hair then than I have now. All was good.” Musgrove and Kurowski are both busy physicians raising two children. “Since we job share we really do share child duties equally,” says Musgrove. “He cooks, cleans, does Continued on Page 14
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Cameron Kurowski spends a “Daddy day” hiking with his 3-year-old son Neil.
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