Help For A New Dad

Posted on January 13, 2011 
Filed Under Fathering, Parenting, Personal

With great anticipation and urgency the young couple races to the hospital and are admitted.  Hours later welcome their first child into the world. And then what?

After he helps give that baby his first breath and a name, what does that new dad do? Where in the world does he start? What kinds of goals and expectations should he have? How can he measure up? How can he overcome doubts and fears about his abilities? What can he do to help that daughter know he loves her? How can he avoid horrific mistakes? How can he make a real difference as a father? What exactly is his role in this boy’s life right now? In short, what does that man need to know in order to succeed as a new dad?

Even the best-prepared individual will struggle to find answers to these questions.

Additionally, the experience of being a new dad usually comes at a time in life when professional pressures are greater than ever before, squeezing a man for time and emotional energies that are needed desperately by their new child.
The truth is, most men don’t feel equipped and aren’t sure where to turn for assistance as they begin the parenting journey – and they have reason to be concerned!

I’ve been giving this matter some thought lately as I’ve been writing a book for new dads. It’ll be published in several months, but between now and then I’d welcome some input.

What one piece of advice would you share with a first-time father? Leave a comment here, at my Facebook page, or via Twitter.

Share a helpful thought for a new dad? Thanks.

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