Fatherhood is life-changing, but it is also the best experience in the world, as men can learn so much about themselves when they become dads. While it's true that no one can be prepared for parenting challenges, there are still practical ways that men may apply in their lives or routines before the firstborn child arrives.
Soon-to-be fathers may learn a few tricks by practicing with real babies. If there is an opportunity to look after someone else's child, grab this to get hands-on experience, learn skills and develop confidence.
Other ways of preparing for fatherhood include these tips below:
1. Read parenting books and other sources.
New dads today have loads of options to gain knowledge on becoming a parent. Book authors have expanded to include the men in the equation when parenting topics used to be more focused on the mothers. Spy has a list of about 20 parenting books for "regular dudes" who want to prepare for fatherhood. Many of these are written with humor, so it will also be an entertaining read.
Family therapist Dr. Tess Bingham said that she and her husband continuously read parenting books to improve themselves as parents.
There are also a lot of content creators online whose audience are specifically fathers. Watch some calming techniques on YouTube to pick up tricks for babies.
In many communities online, make friends with other dads who can give you first-hand advice, guidance, and support. Soak in their experiences and mistakes to learn to develop your own parenting style.
2. Fix your finances.
Becoming a parent is going to be an enormous responsibility, especially when it comes to finances. As a dad, you must plan ahead and get your finances in order because the bills will trickle down the moment the pregnant mom goes to her first prenatal check-up.
It might help to come up with a budget plan and know the price range you'd need to spend for the baby every month. Financial experts told CNBC that raising a child in 2022 could cost parents $15,395 per year. This will increase once the child starts school, gets into other activities, enters high school, and then heads off to college.
3. Be engaged in the pregnancy journey.
Modern parenting includes all kinds of parents. Whether you're becoming a dad because your wife is pregnant or expecting a baby through surrogacy, it will always be a wonderful journey to be engaged and present in every stage.
If you're able to, be there for every doctor's appointments. Don't be shy about asking questions about the baby's development in the fetus. In the last few months of the pregnancy, talk to the doctor about holding a newborn and the preparations needed for the baby's first day back at the hospital.
Use this process not only to bond with the pregnant mom. Experts of a study published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth showed that involved fathers might help lower the mother's stress levels, allowing the baby to grow in a healthier environment.
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