A Fathers Role with His Baby

A Fathers Role With His Baby

fatherandbabyhandssml

What is a fathers role in the very early life of his baby?

Most fathers know about dealing with their school age and young adult child, but many are at a loss as to a dads role with their newborn...and on through the next 12 months or so.

Fatherhood...especially first time fatherhood is an exciting as well as apprehensive time for the dad-to-be. I remember being so aware of the awesome responsibility of caring for that little human's daily needs for health, safety and most of all...my personal touch.

Many soon-to-be fathers feel uneasy (to say the least) about being involved in the birthing process. Well if it helps anyone reading this I am here to say that being present for my only child's birth was one of the highest honors and privileges available in this life. (You can read more on my experience at "becoming a new dad").

So why is it often so difficult for some men to take that early father and child role and make it a positive experience for baby...and dad?

Well, again for first-time dads I think fear of the unknown...fear of looking stupid...and our innate difficulty expressing ourselves keeps us from pursuing a role in our child's early weeks and months. It's just easier to say "it's the mother's job".

Off the subject, but I think there is also fear of looking stupid (or inept) that keeps us from asking for directions no matter how lost we are.

A fathers role in his new baby's life can be one of the most fulfilling things he will EVER do in his life...complete with unforgetable memories and a sense of pride in being an active part in doing much more than just "watching" his child grow up.

No amount of money...fame...or success can compare to seeing and knowing that you played a positive role in your babies early development and beyond.

Okay...so what do I need to do to be as fully involved with my baby as possible? Glad you asked.

Below are a few basic strategies to get you up and running:

First and foremost is to truly be available to help your baby's mother anytime you can. You will endear yourself to her more than ever just by genuinely being there when she needs you...WITHOUT BEING ASKED!
Help out with the housework. She may be home with the baby all day, but it is very difficult for her to keep up with all of the house chores with a totally dependent child to tend to. Every little bit helps.
Volunteer to help with the night-time feeding schedule if and when your baby goes to the bottle. This might be just giving her a break on weekends. Don't forget...she will really appreciate all of this especially if you think like a NIKE ad and JUST DO IT!
And now the dreaded part. Change your baby's diaper both Number 1 and Number 2 (ugh!). With disposable diapers this has been made relatively easy. Can you imagine using cloth diapers and safety pins? I can!

This can also be a time for bonding with your baby as you try not to grimace too much from the smell...or dodge well aimed streams of urine. Okay, it's not that bad...well...you do get used to it...sort of.
And now for my all time favorite fathers role.

Hold your baby and hold him/her often. Cuddle, snuggle and TALK to your baby. This is how your baby really begins to relate to you. The sound of your voice. Your gentle touch. Your playful antics. All of this helps your baby develop and grow, because we humans don't exist in a vacuum. We need touch, reassurance, love, nourishment and appropriate stimulation from birth until we leave this earth.

So your baby should get a healthy dose of YOU dad...from the first time you lay eyes on him/her...until well...forever.

And remember this also...there is nothing manly about shirking your responsibilities for your children at any age. A real man takes his fatherhood seriously, and is willing to do anything to fulfill a fathers role in caring for his children.

If you are interested in learning more about a dad's role in his baby's life I have included some recommended books below.

God Bless the man who understands what it means to be a father!

Amazon.com Widgets

(Return To Top of Page..A Fathers Role)