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MIAMI (CBS4) ― There's a new trend that seems to be growing. It's an increase in the number of fathers dropping out of the workforce to raise their children. Many families find out that living on one paycheck is worth it for the peace of mind of having one parent stay home and if Mom is bringing home the bigger paycheck, some feel it's a natural choice for Dad to become a full-time father.

The increase in the number of stay-at-home Dad's marks a significant social change. Back in the 80's, filmmakers thought the idea of a father staying home with the kids while Mom went off to her executive job was so entertaining, they made a movie about it. It was called "Mr. Mom" and starred Michael Keaton and Teri Garr.

"Mr. Mom" was a hit and eventually in real life, real dad's starting making the choice to stay home. According to Newsweek Magazine, the number of stay-at-home dad's as tripled in the last decade.

Those statistics are no surprise for stay-at-home dad Nino Mironti who gave up his career in the restaurant business two years ago and hasn't looked back since.

"Dylan's first four years of life I barely saw him, I was always working, my wife was working, we had nannies and now it's just the complete opposite," Mironti told CBS4'S Liv Davalos.

Now this dad does everything for his eight and four years old kids. He packs their lunches, takes them to school, washes the dishes and enjoys being their favorite playmate.

"I've become the gardener, I've become the cleaning lady, I've become pretty much everything," said Mironti.

The decision to give up his career was one he and his wife Cindy chose after their nanny never came back from vacation. Cindy said since she brought home a bigger paycheck as a corporate executive and traveled at least three days a week, the decision for Dad to stay home was easy.

For the D'Amour family, making the decision several years ago to have dad stay home made sense since his office job didn't pay as well as his wife's nursing job. With two kids still in diapers, Daniel D'Amour jumped into the new position feet first.

"I feel like I have a bond that I would never have in any other circumstance," said Daniel.

His wife couldn't have been happier. "I was thrilled with it. I didn't have to worry about anyone else with my kids but my husband," said Nikky D'Amour.

While mom worked the night shift, Daniel shared his skills in the kitchen with Dominique and Max, who are now 11 and 9. The time shared with their dad created an incredible bond.

"I spent a lot of time with him, not many kids spent a lot of time with their dads," said 11-year old Dominque D'Amour, who misses his dad at home, now that's he gone back to work.

Daniel is now a full-time nurse. His friends still don't let him forget his former career at "Mr. Mom. "In fact, to this day I get Congratulations on Mother's Day," said Daniel.

So what's behind this trend to full time fatherhood?

Clinical psychologist Dr. Mercedes Rosenberg says it's a return to family values.

"Now we don't fear realizing our children and values come first. I see it that dad's are here saying I'm here and taking a rightful place as a parent."

There are even widespread support groups and Web sites all geared to stay-at-home dads across the country and the world.

So is it right for you? Experts say you should ask yourself some questions.

• Can you handle the social pressure?

Despite the fact there are more stay-at-home dads now than ever, there are still some stigmas attached to it that come from both sexes.

• Will you enjoy parenting full time?

Make sure you have the personality and attitude to make it work and find true fulfillment.

• Are you ready to possibly pay a high career price?

Unfortunately, studies show most men who tried to return to their jobs had to take a pay cut and experienced more prejudice for taking time to stay home with their children.

Most important, both husband and wife need to feel that both their jobs are important.

If you're considering being a stay-at-home dad, there are some Web sites and support groups for men who may be ready to become "Mr. Mom" including, athomedad.org, rebeldad.com, and dadstayshome.com.

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