Father's Viral Diaper Change Post Launches Global #SquatForChange Movement by Jessica Acree
Hey, dads! Have you ever been forced to change your child's diaper at a local business by squatting down to use your legs as a makeshift table? Chances are the women's bathroom had a diaper changing station, but not the men's. Unfortunately, the scene is all too common in the fatherhood circle. It's inconvenient and frustrating.
The issue is not a new one, but the effort to inspire change has gained new momentum thanks to a viral post and one fed-up father of three. Donte Palmer of Florida recently shared a photo on Instagram showing him squatting in a public restroom with his youngest on his lap. The caption reads, "Clearly we do this often because look how comfortable my son is. It's routine to him!!!! Let's fix this problem!"
It is an image dads everywhere can relate to, so it's no surprise Palmer's #SquatForChange hashtag is spreading like wildfire. And for good reason! It's simple. Dads change diapers, too, not just moms. At the core, it is about shattering gender stereotypes, supporting parenting equality and making the experience much more comfortable for everyone involved.
I reached out to Palmer to ask what he'd say to other dads struggling with the same lack of resources, he says, "... continue being a great father and help stand behind me so we can bring change for all of us."
Palmer is already seeing the spontaneous mission spark action as other dads post their own #SquatForChange pictures in restrooms across the nation, even the world! Supporters are also sharing pictures of men's bathrooms that do have a changing station, expressing relief that they can avoid the burn in their quads and give their kid a clean diaper without the extra hassle.
Palmer tells me he is excited and grateful to see each post as the movement takes hold. He says he's most surprised by the international reach it's already getting and how he's even in talks with a few celebrity dads who are ready to jump on board to help fuel the mission.
Do you encounter this same headache while out and about? Join 30Seconds in helping to support Palmer's effort by sharing your own #SquatForChange photo. If you see a changing table already installed in the men's bathroom in your community or if a new one goes up, that's worth a shout-out, too!
Together, we can be the change.
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