Every parent wants their child to grow up and be healthy and happy, but not everyone is aware that have an important role to play in that. Especially first time dad and mom should understand this fact.
Even though moms do all of the hard work for the first 9 months, when the baby is born, first-time dads should realize that their role is just as much a part of the work as a mom. Dads have an important role to play too.
Read this article to make sure you are doing the right things as a first-time dad.
First time dad is usually confused, THIS IS NORMAL
Being a dad is not an easy “job” at all. At the moment you become a dad for the first time, you get one more responsibility in your life which may seem frightening in the beginning. If you feel upset, panicked, confused, scared, or like you’re just not ready, don’t worry, you’re not alone. That is totally normal.
Like any big change, this will require a major adjustment. Your life will never be the same. The birth of your first child is an experience that will change you for the better (we wish you).
In a short time, you will find out that you have received priceless love without which you can’t imagine living anymore.
At the very beginning of your parenting, you should be aware that the first years in your child’s life are very important for his mental and physical development.
FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE RULES TO BECOME GRЕАT FATHER
1. First of all, start spending time with your child to get to know each other. In this way, you will become more sensitive to your child’s needs for love, attention, and discipline. Be responsive to your baby’s cries, hold and hug him often, speak to him with a gentle voice and participate in his basic care (e.g., feeding, changing diapers). Hug and kiss it often, and comfort it when is crying or scared. Getting involved will help you to become better at caring.
2. Be aware that spending time in passive activities such as watching television or mobile phone in front of your child will result in the same behavior in your child later. Your behavior is an example for him of what he/she should doing. Good evidence suggests that screen viewing before age 18 months has lasting negative effects on children’s language development, reading skills, and short-term memory. It also contributes to problems with sleep and attention. So don’t do things you don’t want your child doing later.
3. Remain calm when the child is upset or acting out. Studies suggest that fathers who respond calmly, when their children misbehave, get upset, or otherwise lose control, have children who are more popular, boys who are less aggressive, and girls who are less negative with their friends. Start for the first day to build your children’s respect by maintaining control of your emotions, your body language, and your hands when you discipline the child. Whether you and the mother of your child live in the same home on a full-time basis or not, you as a father should make an effort to show behaviors and attitudes that you want to see in your child’s behavior later.
4. You should take care of the relationship with the mother of your child, even if you do not live together. The quality of this relationship has a strong positive impact on a child’s development. Similarly, a mother who enjoys the benefits of a good relationship is more likely to be a better mother. Moms who are emotionally supported by their husbands, feel better, which means more likely for kids to be happy and feel secure. On a daily basis show her your care, respect, love, or whatever you have positive in your heart for her. Don’t forget that she gave you a wonderful gift. Only with her, you became a father. Help her to become the best possible version of their mother’s role.
5. Be patient… do not raise your voice toward your wife in front of your child’s eyes. Children who witness their father’s anger toward their mother are more at risk for depression, aggression, and poor health. Think about this whenever you become upset.
The stress of parental conflict can have a negative effect even on the immune system, which can result in health problems for the child.
If you don’t know, learn how to deal with conflict with your wife in a constructive manner. Conflict is not a bad thing in a relationship and often is necessary to resolve issues, complaints, or injustices in a relationship. Couples who can solve issues with one another constructively, compromise, and easily forgive one another for the wrongs done, generally have happier children.
If you act with stability in the relationship with your wife you set an important example for the children. As your child grows he is going to notice and mimic everything you do, whether you realize it or not. He will start to talk like you and pick up your behaviors and attitudes. Your example will be far more influential than anything else in his life.
So live the life you want to see in your child.
Scientifically, it has been proven that children whose fathers have active involvement in their growing up years have fewer behavioral problems and turn out better individuals.
Read next: https://www.healthysmartlife.com/9-smart-massages-for-your-physical-and-mental-health/
