So, You're a Going to be a Father...
- erbabcock
- Oct 4, 2023
- 3 min read
You got the call... you had the conversation... and now, you're expecting to become a Dad for the first time! Congratulations!! Becoming a first-time father is an incredible journey filled with excitement, joy, and perhaps a few challenges along the way. And once the excitement, shock, indigestion pass; reality sets in and you start to wonder how can you be the best dad and the best partner to the mother... Let me preface by saying, DONT WORRY. You were made for this moment. You are designed to be an amazing father and this is just the start to the most amazing part of life. But if I were to boil it down to just a few tips on the tops things to know as a first time dad, here's just a few:
1. Embrace the Joy and Changes:
Remember, sleepless nights are just practice for when they become teenagers and stay out late. It's all about building endurance!
Get ready for the ultimate dad workout: carrying a diaper bag, a baby, and a stroller all at once. It's the real-life triathlon.
You will have to make some sacrifices, but when the baby arrives, your priorities will shift and those sacrifices will be a lot easy to make.
2. Support Your Partner:
When your partner says she's craving something at 2 a.m., you become a superhero on a midnight snack mission. Welcome to the world of surprise grocery runs!
Provide massages, heating pads, whatever her preference in order to help provide any bit of comfort you can.
Bonus tip: try your best to make it to every baby appointment. It may not be much but being their, driving her there, and being involved means A LOT.
3. Educate Yourself:
Babies might not come with instruction manuals, but I mean, how hard can it be when you've got the internet?
Diaper changing is like a rite of passage. Consider it a hands-on crash course in "handling the unexpected."
4. Prioritize Self-Care:
Sneak in some "dad time" by watching football games with your baby in your arms. Early indoctrination into the world of sports is essential! But more importantly, take that time to lay belly to belly with your new baby to not only rest, but to build that bond.
Dad bods are in, so don't feel guilty about indulging in your favorite snacks. They're just fuel for those midnight baby-rocking sessions.
The first few months are going to take some getting used to so your schedule may not be exactly how you drew it up, but give yourself grace... You will eventually be back in the gym, back in a routine.
5. Build a Support Network:
Surround yourself with fellow dads who can commiserate about baby-proofing struggles and swapping dad jokes. It's a support group where puns are the currency.
Remember, as a dad, you're now a certified expert in dad jokes. Use your newfound skills wisely, and don't be surprised if your child rolls their eyes by age 3.
So there you have it, a mix of helpful advice to navigate the journey of first-time fatherhood. Just remember, laughter is the best way to handle the occasional diaper disaster or sleepless night. And don't let your ego get in the way of asking for help. Finding a community of dads for advice is the ultimate cheat code. There are endless resources at your finger tips, like this 2 hour free virtual class at https://www.bootcampfornewdads.org/.So, take a breath, get excited, and enjoy the adventure, Dad!
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