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Marc Giauque reportingIs it marketing or are we simply feeling more of a connection to our fathers? We're spending more and more for Father's Day every year.
At Bountiful's Tina's Hallmark store, it's the first year they've devoted an entire wall to Father's day. Worker Yvonne Barton, a grandmother who'll invite family over for Father's Day isn't surprised. She thinks dads, in general are working more to be more a part of their family.
Yvonne Barton: "The fathers are spending more time with the children and being part of the family more."
Gary Hales agrees.
Gary Hales: "I think they're a little more involved, ‘course people I've talked to or seen ya know, a little more involved."
His father gone for years now, Hales says his dad had enough on his mind.
Gary Hales: "He was a pretty good father to all of us he raised nine kids, you gotta be good to do that."
In honor of "good" dads everywhere, the National Retail Federation says we'll spend about 9-billion dollars on fathers this weekend, about a billion more than last year. Some are skeptical.
"I see it more of a marketing ploy, I mean your stay at home dad now so, yeah there's areas where there's more affection, it's also rather marketed."
True, places like Home Depot, and Sears are in the middle of big campaigns suggesting Fathers Day ideas. Analysts say electronics will be big, and at least one group is offering a "Metro-sexual" spa treatment underscoring this woman's theory.
"Men are becoming more feminine these days."
But what if you ask working dads? Careerbuilder-dot-com has. Senior Adviser Richard Castellini says many of them, simply want time in fact.
"About forty percent of the fathers that we survey would be willing to give up their role as bread-winner to spend more time with their children if the opportunity presented its self."
Yep, Mr. Mom. Turns out many would stay home, if their spouses could be the breadwinners.