Becoming a father has been one of the greatest accomplishments in my life. And l know most fathers can relate to that. The moment you hear these words, “honey, I’m pregnant!,” to the sound of your baby entering the world (insert newborn crying here), your life changes completely.
You begin to learn about fatherhood and what it really is like, which is a great thing to do.
Although you will receive great parenting advice from other parents especially fathers, there are some things you most likely will not hear until you experience them as a dad.
Here 15 things you should be prepared to experience as a father.
1. If you thought you knew how to care for a baby, think again.
Even though you will have an idea about how to take care of your baby, it is just the beginning. Taking care of your newborn will not be easy. You will have to learn as you go and seek help when needed. Once your newborn arrives, you will not have to master the art of changing diapers so you can do it with care and without causing a mess, especially when its really poopy.
2. Sleep will become a luxury for you.
You will have to stay up for those nights when your newborn is crying and you can not figure out what the issue with him/her is. And the best thing is you probably have to go to work in the morning.
3. Time management will have to become a skill
That is, if you want to be active in your baby’s life. Planning everything like you used to do will be hard, real hard. It will take a lot of getting used to having things not go as planned. You will need to learn when to say yes and no invitations, personal activities, etc.
4. After meeting your baby for the first time your world will never be the same.
Your life will never be the same. Everything changes! For the better, don’t worry.
5. Sex after pregnancy will be a topic of discussion with your significant other.
Be prepared to go without getting any for at LEAST 6 weeks. I think that’s the recommended time after post-patum. Your significant other might not have this on their mind at all. Read this article.
6. Sacrifices will need to be made.
You will have to make sacrifices, the loud sex, partying, etc. Your significant other’s breast will also be off limit for a while.
7. You will become a little more emotional.
I never knew how emotional l was until l saw our newborn. I melted like chocolate, and instantly realized there is that soft spot in me that my baby touches in a different way. You will also experience it.
8. You will feel accomplished.
And this accomplishment is not like winning the lottery. Its more about your self esteem, knowing you and your significant other have added a new addition to this world.
9. You will see things in a new way, dad vision is different than man vision.
What used to be okay, will now have a different interpretation. When your newborn cries, its going to be different from all other baby cries.
10. You will not have complete conversations anymore.
Your baby will interrupt when you are having conversations with your significant other. Sometimes, this happens when you are “busy” in the bedroom. (of course that’s after the 6 weeks)
11. You will become a teacher. And your actions will speak louder than your words.
Your kids will do what you do, not what you tell them to do. Everything you do will be watched, and done in the exact same manner by your baby as he/she grows.
12. It is hard.
Yes, very hard, but its worth the journey and the experience.
13. You have to be ready to entertain your kids when they are bored.
Having a lot of different bedtime stories, and entertaining ideas will be part of your toolbox for a while.
14. No more being selfish.
You will not only have to think about yourself anymore, but also think about the mother of your child, and your new bundle of joy.
15. You will need help one way or another.
It is okay to accept that you can not do it all. It’s impossible to do it all, and having your significant other help you will be a HUGE bonus.
Featured photo credit: PublicDomainPictures via pixabay.com
