Full-Time Dad: Chinese father quits his job to take care of his daughters

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Taking care of kids is a demanding job. In most Chinese families, the responsibility is mainly shouldered by the couple's parents or baby-sitters. Now, more and more women also choose to be stay-at-home moms, especially after having a second child. Yet it's rare to see a man making such a choice. CGTN's Yang Jinghao tells us about a couple in southwest China's Chengdu city who are breaking the norms.

Zhao Fan knows how to do everything when it comes to taking care of his daughters. From diaper changes to bathing and food preparation, he can handle it all with ease.

ZHAO FAN CHENGDU RESIDENT "I knew nothing about it in the beginning. But gradually, I found that I'm gifted at it. Why do I say that? Because they laugh a lot when with me, and every time they cry, they calm down soon in my arms."

The 30-year-old father used to work at a company in Chengdu and was well paid. But he quit his job during his wife's first pregnancy and chose to be a stay-at-home dad.

ZHAO FAN CHENGDU RESIDENT "The time between the ages of zero and three is crucial for children's growth and it's a very short period. I also hope I can become a better person through taking care of my children. This is something I can't get from a job or other experiences."

Zhao's choice, to some extent, is against mainstream or traditional values.

In China today, most couples rely on their parents or baby-sitters to look after their children. If one of the spouses has to sacrifice their career, it's always the wife.

Zhao's wife, Meiling, says she is grateful for her husband's devotion.

WANG MEILING ZHAO'S WIFE "If not for my husband, I think I might have suffered from depression. What he does makes so much difference for our kids, for me, for the whole atmosphere of the family."

Meiling now runs a clothing business on online platforms. She also plans to learn fashion design from professionals, something she has long been interested in. And all her goals are supported by Zhao.

WANG MEILING ZHAO'S WIFE "When my husband decided to stay at home, I didn't worry about if he could still provide a quality material life for the family. My only concern was if he would be unhappy or get disappointed after seeing his former colleagues get promoted or something else."

The couple says such a relationship is built on mutual understanding and respect.

ZHAO FAN CHENGDU RESIDENT "From pregnancy to delivery, only a mother knows what the experience is like. For me, what I can do is try to create a relaxing and warm family atmosphere with my love and respect."

Zhao says he still feels some pressure in terms of the livelihood of his family, but he is confident about the future. He says it's never too late to start a new undertaking, and what he is dedicated to at the moment is worthwhile.

YJH, CGTN, Chengdu, Sichuan Province.