So, you are going to be a first-time father. Feeling any anxiety at all? It’s perfectly normal to experience a bit of uncertainty. It would be nice if there were directions that covered everything that may lie ahead, but we are not assembling IKEA furniture here. Some things in life have to be experienced to truly appreciate. You are going to be creating your own instruction manual for your little bundle of joy. Here are a few thoughts to get you pointed in the right direction.
First and foremost, help your spouse in every way you possibly can with the day-to-day aspects of managing the household. As she gets deeper into the pregnancy, she is going to need more support. Learn how to cook if you don’t know-how. Clean more than you ever have. Tell her how beautiful she is. Sincerity is very important. Be mindful that she is going through biological changes that we as men will never experience (and be thankful for that).
I recommend going to Lamaze classes together and listen up while you are there. Making a connection with your spouse in those classes is going to make the birth process more manageable for her. I can remember the rhythmic breathing and eye contact helping my wife a great deal. It also creates a bond with her that lasts forever.
Listen to what she has to say. Be agreeable when she has ideas. Help her deal with people outside of the family that want to get involved. It’s important that she is comfortable with what can be controlled and we can help with that.
It’s fun to choose a name together but I recommend keeping it between the two of you so no outside influences can interfere. Your friends or parents don’t need to be naming your child. It’s fun to keep that secret to yourselves.
Being a good dad takes more than just showing up. It’s giving it everything that you possibly can. So get ready for the most important job you’ll ever have- being a good father!
