What New Fathers Can Expect
Joys and Anxieties!
Everyone's experience of first time fatherhood is different and, although your own father may have seemed like such an expert, even he had to learn the ropes.
You may, for example, have months to prepare for fatherhood by reading books and going to classes, or you may be a military man who has just discovered your wife is pregnant.
It might not be possible to be completely prepared for first time fatherhood, therefore, but you can come to have some idea of what new fathers can expect.
New Fathers and Self-doubt
Because the experience of being a first time father is all new, no one can really say, "I am going to be a good father."
For this reason, self-doubt is one of the things that new fathers can expect. This expectation of self-doubt can cover many areas in a new father's life.
For example, how will you react to the way a new baby changes your relationship with your spouse? Will you still want to live an independent life once the baby is born?
New fathers know they will be responsible for the baby, and they can expect this awareness to cause self-doubt.
New Fathers and Active Involvement
Maybe as an favorable antidote to the emotional pangs which new fathers can expect, there is the fact of active involvement which will include the father in the energetic and often exhausting routines of caring for a baby.
For example, new fathers or those who soon will be can expect to make a place in the home for the new baby by buying appropriate furniture and other supplies for the infant.
New fathers can expect to visit the doctor with their wives for any follow up care and to attend any pre- or postnatal classes.
Finally, new fathers can expect to lose countless hours of sleep because of the crying baby that will one day grow up to be a famous writer.
The Joy of New Fathers
An article on what new fathers can expect would not be complete without mentioning the joy you will feel after the self-doubt has had time to wear off.
You will come to accept this little person as your very own, and you may wonder why you waited so long to start a family.
In sum, no one can be totally prepared to become a new father. But there are certain things that new fathers can expect.
These include self-doubt, an active involvement in taking care of the baby, and the ebullience that fatherhood will ultimately bring.
Source: Personal Observation
Published by Dan Reveal
Come walk with me. I'll share my umbrella. View profile
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9 Comments
Post a CommentPeople so rarely think of fathers in parenthood. You would, though. :)
Becoming a father will definitely change any guy's lifestyle.
Wonderful...:0)
So true! When my nephew became a first-time dad he told me, "Well, I don't know if he's ready for me or I'm ready for him, but we're together for life now!" That's a good way to look at it, don't you agree?! cheers :)
No one can be completely prepared for this job. Each child brings its own set of challenges.
Excellent. I don't think you can ever completely be prepared This is very helpful.
Great job on this one, Dan!
Good article; thanks for sharing.
The "self doubt" is a big one Dan. I remember holding my first child and worried that I might break him. I had more concerns than the child did! LOL