Readers' Voices: Involved dads shift family dynamics

Sidney Lanier became a stay-at-home dad more than 20 years ago when mothers ruled the home by default. Although he had to adjust his thinking about the transition to full-time fatherhood (he initially thought of it as retirement instead of a new job), the former music video producer says stay-at-home fatherhood was a "great gig" and something he wishes his colleagues could also have experienced. Another motivation for him: He wanted his wife to have the opportunity to pursue a full-time career in teaching.

Mark Shumate, a father of four with a slightly different approach to fatherhood, is a "part-time" stay-at-home dad. The oncologist decided to adjust his workload to be at home more. That flexibility allows him to pick up his kids from school and spend more time with them in the summer. His wife, also a part-time doctor, has a more typical 9-to-5 schedule.

In this podcast, a look at two different kinds of modern-day dads. And also the question: Will the rise in stay-at-home fathers foster a more supportive environment that could eventually put an end to Mommy Wars?

Lanier and Shumate share their experiences and offer some insights into shifting attitudes on parenting as they talk to hosts Eileen Rivers (Web and social media editor for USA TODAY's Editorial Page) and Michelle Poblete (USA TODAY's Your Say editor) in this Readers' Voices.

Listen to the show here or download it to listen on the go.