It can be the fear of having the first baby or changes that will happen in life or merely the dread of the sheer volume of diapers and the constant crying that has gotten you completely wound up with worry.
Even if you are anxious about the responsibility that comes with being a father, don’t worry as you are not alone. With our tips, you will conquer the field of fatherhood in no time!
Lean Into The New Reality
neonbrand/Unsplash: Getting comfortable with your baby walking
This is the part that frightens most parents – monumental changes in their blissful married life. It is inevitable, but to tackle this, a new attitude can be adopted. Embrace the new routine as you will have to switch your ‘me’ time for ‘baby’ time. Look at it this way, it’s the time in the baby’s life that will only come once, and you want to cherish it as much as you can because they grow up so fast.
One thing that most kids want from their dad is time. It seems simple enough, but with the hubbub of life, things start slipping away. So, take that amusement park trip and go to their football matches, because this precious time won’t come back but regret would.
Be A Role Model
kellysikkema/Unsplash: Smiling parents looking at a newborn
A dad’s nurturing presence and a healthy home environment plays a massive part in the child’s upbringing. Babies tend to imitate what their parents are doing. Early on, teach your kid the meaning and importance of ‘yes’ and ‘no’ and ensure that there is no swearing, whining, or fighting in front of the child.
Put Efforts Into Your Marriage
With managing a toddler, juggling work, and countless other things, the relationship of a couple takes a backseat. While it is not an issue for the short-term until things get sorted out, if the situation is ignored for too long, problems will start to arise.
Being a good husband precedes being a good father. A wife’s needs are just as urgent as the baby’s, and there are a million ways to show her that you care for her.
Express Love
carolinehdz/Unsplash: Showing love for your child
Babies may be too young to understand words, but as humans, they know loving presence and cuddles. Dads are famous for holding out their emotions, but you can break the mold. Just a quick peck on the head, a reassuring pat, or a warm hug are just some of the ways in which affection can be shown.
Research On Your Own
Unfortunately for new parents, there is no straightjacket solution to parenting. Some things will work, and other things might just won’t. So, what to do? Who do you trust when there is a ton of conflicting advice available? This is where you trust yourself.
Nobody will be able to know your family better than you do. Educating oneself is one step towards enlightenment, but at the end of the day, you’ll have to trust that it’s a doable task.
Don’t stress yourself out to the point that you stop enjoying the present. Whether you are trying for a baby, already had one, or are pregnant, every stage is essential. The first step to being a good dad is just to be there for thefamily.