Bangalore's expat husbands have no qualms about helping their spouses raise their children.
They're not just breadwinners for their families but actively engage in child-rearing and have their say in everything their child does.
Expat dads give their children a wee bit more freedom and are a little more open to talking about everything under the sun as compared to their Indian counterparts.
Most expat fathers tell 'Metrolife' that it's nice to take a break from the rat race and spend quality time with their children.
Loic Lecomte moved to Bangalore from France more than three years ago. His wife quit her job when they moved here just to take care of their three kids — 11-year-old Malo, nine -year-old Eloi and six-year-old Capucine. Loic works late but he confesses that he makes time to spend with his children.
"We make it a point to have breakfast together. This is a way to make sure we can spend family time at least once a day.
What is very important to Anouck (my wife) and I is that we listen to our children and all the concerns they may have about their life in India," says Loic. He says his kids ask him a lot of questions about things they see around them. "Since we are living abroad, they are now very open-minded and curious. But they need to be fully aware of their home country," he adds.
Loic makes it a point to acquaint his kids with as many languages as possible. And he plays with them, takes them on long trips and when he's off work, he makes it a point to sit with his kids. "At home, we speak to the children in French but when they play together, they switch to English," explains Loic.
Rod Solomons who works with the trade and investment commissioner to South Asia, Government of Queensland, Australia in Bangalore, observes that he is very close to his son Nicholas, who is now much older.
Rod says that kids have their own priorities as they grow up. "I've always supported my son in whatever capacity, whether it is his interest in racing or helping him build a career in the IT industry.
I am so happy when he still turns to me for advice before taking any important decision in his career," he says. And Rod notes that he has never been a very imposing father. "I've always asked my son to do things that make him happy," he says.
Alexander M has been living in Bangalore for a few years now. He has three children — Jessica, Ben and Chloe.
He says that he has always brought his children up to be adventurous. "I've always told my kids to be sensible in whatever they choose to do. My daughter Chloe has been living with us and she's now ready to fly alone.
I've always wanted them to think and act independently. We've brought them up with a lot of love and also taught them the importance of family values," he sums up.