From the stay-at-home dad in "Up All Night" to the lovable dads in "Modern Family, " relatively positive portrayals abound.

CNN: June 15, 2012 -- Updated 1120 GMT (1920 HKT)

The notion of a stay-at-home dad still seems to arouse a terrible sense of anxiety in many people.

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If the definition of a stay-at-home dad is expanded to those who have freelance or part-time work while still acting as the primary caretaker, the share is still under 3 percent.

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But as Money magazine reports, Chris Peplinski, a 37-year-old stay-at-home dad, dreams of the perfect credit score.

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"If it becomes more of the norm to have a guy baby sitter, then it will become more of the norm to have a stay-at-home dad, " he says.

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"I was working out, " Blackburn said, offering mock protest at the amazement following his one-week swing from stay-at-home dad to NFL game-changer.

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Eventually, through hours and hours of conversations with Mina and many ups and downs at home, Rich came to not only accept his role as stay-at-home dad, and the lesser earner, but also to enjoy the opportunities it afforded him.

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