Top 10 Things Every New Dad Should Know
1. You'll have moments when you believe you've made a huge blunder.
It's natural to wonder why you ever had a child in the first place every now and then. Allow yourself to mourn your pre-parenthood life from time to time, and forgive yourself for these moments of self-doubt. These are fleeting occasions.
2. Babies + Travel = Not the disaster you might expect.
Most people are apprehensive about flying with an infant, but this is the best time to go. At three months old, all they need is a bottle or boob to keep them entertained. They have few needs and even fewer opinions, so the difference between Cozumel and Cleveland is insignificant (to them). Go get a tan while you still can.
3. Purchase a cordless, rechargeable hand vacuum.
You'll be spending a lot of time getting things off the floor. Initially, it will be a variety of bodily fluids, but before long, you will be dealing with everything from Cheerios to banana slices. Later, the list will grow to include things like glitter, dirt, forgotten bacon, and pretty much anything that can be shredded by small hands. And dragging out the clumsy upright four times a day is too inconvenient.
4. Cooking an entire dinner in the microwave is perfectly acceptable. That is all there is to it.
5. Be a responsible adult.
One of the most heartbreaking sights is a parent and their young child fighting over who can out-tantrum the other. Children are a never-ending source of joy, but only when they aren't a never-ending source of frustration. Breathe deeply and never allow yourself to reach the level of irrational rage that your child occasionally displays.
6. Accept all babysitting offers. Several times.
There is a strange lag time between when a child is ready to be left with someone (usually when they can bottle-feed or go four hours without nursing) and when the parents are ready to leave them (which is often much later). Fatigue and frustration build up over time, and you need a break before you realize it. Your wife may (or may not) object, but do your best to persuade her to let you take her out on a short date. After a good meal and a glass of wine, everything appears more manageable and joyful.
7. It's perfectly fine to accept hand-me-downs.
Not only are secondhand baby items easier on the wallet and the environment, but they are also a lot less agonizing when you're on your fourth outfit of a bad day (which, trust me, you will).
8. Schedule time for other relationships in your life.
Not only is it important for your child to understand that there is more to life than you catering to their every need, but you are also teaching them an important lesson about what it means to live a full, loving life. Seeing you in the role of a good friend or devoted spouse teaches your children what it means to be a good friend or devoted spouse.
9. There is no such thing as overuse of wipes.
There is no prize for using every last corner of a towelette, and getting the smell of baby crap off your hands is shockingly difficult. At three cents per sheet, the generous and preventive use of wipes benefits everyone's hygiene and gag reflex.
10. You are not the "backup parent." You have a son.
You are a full, equal partner in transforming a small, fragile sack of fluid and bones into a loving, decent, healthy Universe citizen. Never let the fact that others aren't sure what to do with a man between conception and Little League fool you into thinking you're anything less than vital to every step of the process. Be as informed, aggressively involved, and in love as you are capable of being.
Related: HOW TO BE A GOOD FATHER: TIPS & ADVICE FOR DADS
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