What Soon To Be Dads Need to Know – Dudes To Dads Ep 191

I'm thinking back when my wife was pregnant and I had this combination of feelings....being really excited but also really nervous. I knew nothing about babies. I was never really around kids. I didn't know how to change a diaper, feed a baby, or even hold it. I was pretty clueless. Well my kids are now 8 & 10 so i have been through quite a bit. In this video, I'm giving you 4 crucial things that soon to be dads need to know. There is only 4 so this will be easy. Being an expectant father can be stressful. If you are a first time dad, you don't really know what's going on. You are learning as you go. Sorry but I think the learning as you go thing continues for the rest of your life. But hey, that's what we are here for. To help you soon to be dads learn what you need to know. I've got 4 essential things to know: #1 - You won't be a perfect parent. You are going to mess up, a lot. You are going to get angry, frustrated, and often not have a clue how to handle a situation. It's ok. Give yourself permission that not everything needs to be perfect nor do you need to know everything. Do your best and don't beat yourself up over it. #2 - Focus on the big picture. The big picture is loving and caring for your child. I recall worrying so much about little things that i later realize didn't really matter. Where was the baby going to sleep? It's own room or in our room What kind of diapers were the best? Was the stroller the perfect one for us? Do we need a baby monitor? Is the house baby proofed? How long should she breastfeed? Is it ok to wake a sleeping baby? I think you understand what I'm trying to say. The big picture is what is important. Focusing too much on all of the little things will drive you crazy. #3 - Your involvement is critical. The more you are involved, the better off your child will be. This is a 50/50 deal with mom. Sure I get it, we can't breastfeed and they have 9 months with the kid before us, but don't think mom's are the ones to take care of the child. Dad's role used to be to discipline and making money. That ain't it anymore. It's been proven that dad's involvement helps their brains, their development, and their overall emotional well-being. So understand this, the child will thrive and do better, the more you are involved. #4 - You can do this. At some point and it may happen many times, you are going to doubt yourself. You will think you are not good enough or capable enough....and you are wrong. You are totally capable of giving and receiving love. Whether you had a bad childhood or a wonderful one doesn't matter. Your past does not equal your future. Let me repeat that: "Your Past Does Not Equal Your Future" - Tony Robbins You are listening to this podcast for a reason. Give yourself credit and know you can do this.