By: Shawn Donovan
Here are some tips for new dads that will help you in your journey into parenthood. It may seem that mothers naturally fall right into the role, while it takes fathers a little more time. New dads shouldn't worry; your fatherly instincts will kick in sooner than you think. In the meantime, here's a few things to keep in mind.
- Be prepared to get down and dirty. Babies only do a few things: cry, eat and eject what they just ate. Fathers shouldn't be afraid of changing dirty diapers. The quicker you learn how to change a diaper the better. You'll be doing a lot of this.
- Catch your Zs when you can. With an infant in the house, sleep is going to be a precious commodity. Work naps in whenever it's safe to do so. Be prepared to be really, really tired.
- Pinch those pennies. Babies cost a lot of money. New dads should be prepared to look for bargains when shopping. Tightening the belt now will help save money for the future, including that ever-important college fund.
- Make time for your baby. A lot of fathers have to work full time in order to support their families. Understandably, there will be less time for you to spend with the baby. Find ways to make your baby part of each day, whether it's getting up in the middle of the night to feed her, rocking her gently back to sleep or just taking her for a walk in her stroller. The more time you spend with your child, the stronger the bond you'll form with her.
- Make time for yourself. Being a new dad means making compromises. You won't be able to hang out with your friends as much as you once did, but that doesn't mean you can't work in a day of golf with your buddies every once in a while. It's important to still participate in your hobbies on some level, even if it-s not to the same capacity as before. They're a great way to relieve the stress of fatherhood.
- Make time for your spouse. With all the attention a baby requires, keeping up the romance with your wife might be the last thing on your mind. Doing simple things, like bringing her flowers, to let her know that you still love her and think she is doing a great job as a mom, is the perfect way to show she still matters as much as she did before. Make sure that she gets some time away with her friends by offering to babysit while she enjoys a night with the girls.
- Talk to other dads. If you've got friends or coworkers who've had kids, ask them for advice. Ask your own father for advice as well. Other dads may have some good tips on balancing work and family or saving money. They also know how to stay sane while you're dealing with the challenges of the infant and toddler years.
