Just look around you and you’ll see evidence of daddy pride everywhere. Dads are whipping photos out of their pockets as if they were business cards!
The 21st century dad is no longer satisfied with a supporting role in his kids’ lives, he’s stepping up and is proud to share the load with his baby mama. Turns out that being a dad requires a whole new skill set! In addition to their traditional talents such as fixing bikes and firing up the barbeque, the pressure is on and dads now require other “must- have-skills” such as taking turns on the night feed, braiding hair, and sitting down to a tea party served in tiny cups.
“The number of men interested in truly co-parenting is higher than ever before” says Kyle 00Pruett, MD, and clinical professor of child psychiatry at Yale University. Young dads want to be more hands-on with their kids. They plan to do things differently – they’re not comfortable with having so few memories of their dads being involved in their lives.
However, if you feel - like most dads - if you’re winging it, you’re not alone. Hey, it comes with the title, but unfortunately what doesn’t come with the job is a simple set of instructions!
We have a few tips to help you become an even more awesome dad than you already are:
- Always share the load with your baby mama. Don’t look at anything as “mom’s” duties. Don’t be one of those dads. Change her diapers, feed her and rock her to sleep in the middle of the night. Leap at the chance to do these things, because that’s how you start a life-long relationship with your child.
- Take care of yourself. Give your kids the gift of your health. Take care of yourself to be able to take care of them.
- Protect them. There are many ways to do this. Child-proof your home, teach them good safety habits, set a good example by using your seatbelt, make sure they use a car seat, etc. Have life insurance, car insurance and an emergency fund (you’re definitely going to need the latter!).
- Be big. You don’t have to play catch all the time, but be a presence in their lives. Ask them about their day, every day. Listen to their ideas; get to know what is important to them.
- Be small. Say that you are sorry when need be. There will be plenty of things to apologise for; anger, inattention or just a lack of whatever. Mean it. Be sorry.
- Love, love, love them. This should be the centre of your dad operating philosophy. Above all, show your kids that you love them. Everything else is just details.
- Read to them. Whether you’re a reader or not, reading to your kids (from the time they’re babies onward) is crucial. It prepares them for a lifetime of learning.
- Teach them self-esteem. Show them that you value them by spending time with them. Praise and encourage, don’t reprimand and discourage.
- Teach them how to be responsible and kind.
- Love their mom. Happy wife, happy life, right?
“Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad” – Anne Geddes.
Happy Father’s Day to all who go by the name “Dad.”
Source: www.menshealth.com, www.huffingtonpost.com, www.artofmanliness.com, zenhabits.net, www.theguardian.com, www.bustle.com, www.parenting.com, www.slowdownfast.com, www.independent.co.uk, www.parents.com, qz.com
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
