You Don’t Have to Be Perfect Just Be the Best Dad You Can

When you are getting ready to have a new baby a lot of focus is on the mother. It’s understandable she is the one carrying the baby and going to deliver it. People almost seem too often forget about the whole new dad experience. It can be just as overwhelming and scary to become a new dad.

Dads don’t feel everything pregnancy-wise that mothers do, but suddenly the whole world feels like it is on their shoulders. They go from being the fun husband to the provider.

That can be a huge, overwhelming jump for guys. Society doesn’t talk about the ways to be a great dad enough. So dads out there, this one is for you. Grab your beer and know that everything is going to be okay. We promise. You’re just shaping another human being for the next eighteen years no pressure.

Stop worrying.

No seriously try not to worry too much while the baby is cooking. Just help mom prepare and give lots of back and foot rubs. Also, get her anything she’s craving and read the instructions just this once while putting a crib together.

Baby is here, don’t panic, you don’t have to be perfect. 

Precious little baby boy/girl is finally here. Your wife deserves way more than a high five. The reality of the situation, which is that now you are responsible for another person, is really taking over. Breath, hold the crying baby tight and know you are going to be the best you can be. No baby is born asking for both parents to be perfect.

Live that pre-baby life like a boss.

Okay, this might go against a lot of advice to stay indoors with the baby for the first six months. But, to get used to having a baby around you really should live your life as normally as possible. Once baby and mom are okay to travel, do it. Take baby shopping, out to eat and if you are real adventurous on an airplane.

Give mom time with friends. 

It’s easy for you to go back to your buddies and have a great time and have them all congratulate you on being a new dad. You have every right to do this. But, what’s even better for mom and your relationship with the baby is if you take over for a couple hours and let mom have some friend time too.

Help even when you aren’t asked too.

Every mom suffers from supermom syndrome where they think they can do every little thing by themselves. Dad’s best way to be a great father is to help with those late-night feedings. It earns brownie points with mom and just makes life easier. Change baby’s diaper while mom makes a bottle. Get mom’s snack ready if she breasts feed. Anything, and usually a lot of little things, helps.

Be loving and fair.

Treat your kids how you wanted to be treated as a kid. It’s not all games and endless amounts of candy, but having fun is never a bad thing with kids. Show affection. They won’t remember every toy you buy them. They will remember if you gave them hugs or not.

Remember, seven years will go by in the blink of an eye. Make time to play, give lots of hugs, never stop listening even when they are annoying teenagers, and most of all enjoy every loving moment.