Are Dads Just Helpers?

Out of the blue today Ian asks me,
"Mom, are dads just helpers?
"Well, Dads always try to help out a lot."
"No, I mean do they make dads for JUST helping?" he asks.
"I'm not sure exactly what you're asking but our dad helps out a lot. He also provides for our family and works hard so that we can have all the things we need and want.
(I also explain how different Dads might have different rolls in other families, etc.)
Ian says proudly, "Dad always does everything you ask."

Well, I don't know what it all means but I'm sure as a four year old he's just proud that someone in the house never gets in trouble for not following mom's instructions. And not that his mom is a crazy, strict, overbearing lunatic. :)
Thanks Glenn, for setting a good example to Ian for following the rules and helping out mom.