8 TIPS BEFORE BECOMING A FIRST TIME FATHER

If I had a chance to have a conversation with myself before I became a first time father, these are the things I would tell myself:

1.) JUST DO IT!

There will always be an excuse to NOT have a kid: finance, waiting to buy a home, work or traveling. You will always find a reason to not have a kid if you are looking for one. If you are a person who wants to become a parent and you’re old enough, just do it. You will figure out everything along the way. STOP GIVING YOURSELF EXCUSES AND MAN UP.

2.) SLEEP NOW WHILE YOU CAN.

I should’ve listened to my surroundings when they were saying “sleep as much as you can” because once your baby is here, it’s over. You need to know that there will be nights when your baby will absolutely not sleep and will keep you up with them. Fevers, teething, colic and sleep regressions are very very real and you need to know they will come weather you like it or not.

3.) HELP YOUR PARTNER.

Your baby mama or baby daddy needs to rest. This is new for the both of you, help each other out and take shifts. You change the diaper for a change, or you should be the one to put the baby down this time. Take some responsibility upon yourself too, don’t be selfish.

4.) LEARN HOW TO BALANCE WORK AND HOME LIFE.

I promise you, you will never find a job that is harder than being a father/parent. It is very very hard. You need to provide for your family and also be present so your kids never know your absence. Spend time with your kids when you come home from work, play with them, feed them, love and cherish them. Even sitting on the floor while they play with their toys is spending time with them, dedicate your weekends to them. Kids want to feel your presence. It’s important to know it’s not the amount of money you make, it’s the dedication they receive from you is what matters most to them. No one said it’s easy, but it is very rewarding.

5.) PATIENCE.

Your little human doesn’t know any better; It’s their job to annoy you. You are the adult, you know better than they do. Yes, be stern and stand your ground but don’t yell at them. They maybe little but they have big feelings, don’t hurt them.

6.) DO PRODUCT RESEARCH

Please be careful about what you put on or in your babies. Do a little research on the chemicals used to create these products. Some brands have very toxic chemicals in their stuff that your child should never have on or in their body. Most brands unfortunately do not give a damn for you or your baby. They are here to make money. Look into brands that do not use any harsh chemicals.

7.) HOME IMPROVEMENT.

Anything you need to get done around the house such as remodeling, decorating the nursery, ordering the stroller, crib, bassinet, bottles and burp cloths have that all ready before the baby comes. Believe me, you will have no time to run around buying things and waiting for things to come when the baby is here. Get all that suff out of the way before baby arrives.

8.) YOU ARE DOING GREAT.

You have to remember not to be hard on yourself, this is all new and it is an adjustment. Remind yourself that you are doing great.