Why Parent‑and‑Child Spaces Should Include Dads

Originally written in October 2014 as 'Restrictions" — Updated with clarity and reflection in 2026

I recently went shopping and took my eldest, William, with me. We pulled into the Tesco car park, but there wasn’t a single space available. Luckily, someone pulled out of a parent‑and‑child bay, so I quickly parked while I had the chance.

As we got out of the car, I noticed several mums giving me funny looks. I tried to ignore it, assuming I was just being paranoid. 

Then William spoke up:  

“Daddy, why are the mummies staring at you? Is it because you parked in the wrong spot?”  

I replied carefully: 

“No, darling — Daddy can park there.”  

His response was telling: 

“I don’t think you’re allowed. It has a mummy sign, look!” 

He pointed to the sign above the bay — a simple image of a woman holding a child’s hand.

[Image 2. A Parent and Child Parking sign at Tesco car park. In the red circle it shows a mother and child. 

I explained to my very observant five‑year‑old that the space was for parents — mums and dads — even though the picture only showed a mum.

Following on from my earlier posts about stereotyping and isolation within home‑schooling circles, is it really surprising that these attitudes persist when even basic signs in popular stores reinforce gender bias?

Since university, I’ve always promoted the importance of men working in nurseries to create balanced, integrated environments for children. As a primary teacher, I encouraged male colleagues not only to teach but to take on leadership roles — not because it was “expected,” but because equality should mean opportunity for everyone.

Although gender differences are visible everywhere, they’ve become increasingly obvious to me in recent years. There are still gaps that need bridging. Men — and fathers — deserve to be seen as equal caregivers, not just financial providers, stereotypes, the angry parent, or occasional stand‑ins, as babysitters. It shouldn’t be the case where a dad is standing there, and someone asks "Where is Mummy?" I’ve even heard single dads described as “bums” who should only see their children once a fortnight. That mindset needs to change.

I know not all dads are actively involved. I know some just see their kids every other weekend, a Saturday and a Sunday access. I believe, however, the number of engaged fathers is far higher than people assume.

As an active parent, single dad, caregiver, clothes buyer, shopper, and home educator — to name just a few roles — I want to see genuine equality between genders, even if it starts with something as simple as the signs in a supermarket car park. If a five‑year‑old boy can spot the difference, it’s time adults did too.

On Twitter (Now X), I often share inspirational quotes followed by my tagline: #ChangeYourStory.  

I encourage you to do the same — change your mindset, speak up for hardworking, active dads, and definitely #ChangeYourStory.

2026 Reflection

Reading this again, I realise how early this post was in the wider conversation about parental equality. Back in 2014, I was writing from frustration — a single dad noticing how everyday spaces quietly excluded fathers. What felt like a small rant about a car‑park sign was actually part of a much bigger shift that society hadn’t yet caught up with.

Today, parental equality is far more visible. Brands show dads in adverts, schools talk about father engagement, and workplaces recognise shared parenting. This post reminds me that change didn’t start with policy — it started with moments like this: a child noticing a missing dad on a sign, and a parent deciding to speak up.

It also marks the beginning of my voice as an advocate, not just a parent. I wasn’t campaigning for special treatment; I was asking for balance. For dads to be seen, for children to see them, and for equality to mean something real.

Twelve years later, I still believe that small observations can spark big conversations. This one did — and it helped me begin to change my own story.

For more stories or topics that I've challenged, please click here.

If you want to read more about my Single Parent journey, click here.