If You Are About To Become A Dad, Read This

Collaborative Post

Parents are crucial to a baby’s well-being. If you are about to become a dad, whether for the first time or the fifth, there are some things to consider. Read on to learn what you need to know and do to help your little bundle of joy thrive in the world.

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Find Legal Advice

As the father of a baby, you have rights that you may not fully understand. Those rights are often confused if you are not married to the mother of your child. That is why it is essential for you, and the baby, to establish paternity.

If you are not a lawyer or do not have professional experience in matters of paternity, your best course of action is to schedule an appointment with a paternity lawyer. They will guide you through the necessary steps to establish paternity, understand your rights, and move forward as a father to your child.

Be a Partner

Whether you are married to your baby’s mother, are in a committed relationship, or have parted ways, none of that matters when it comes to the baby’s well-being. The baby cannot advocate for itself and clearly cannot take care of its needs. That is where two loving and supportive parents come into the picture.

You need to be a responsible and dependable parent for your new baby. That means being a partner to the baby’s other parent, regardless of your relationship status. No two people are alike, nor do they get along at all times. This is especially true when you are not in a relationship with the mom. Regardless, you are both adults and need to work through your disagreements for the betterment of the child.

Here are some ways you can come together to become partners and co-parents.

Think before you speak. Everyone has thoughts and opinions about other people, but they do not always need to be voiced.
Seek mediation or legal advice if your relationship is too contentious to navigate alone.
Sit down with a list of your respective work schedules, obligations, and expectations. Discuss care and financial responsibilities openly and honestly.
Be a dependable parent and show up.

Watch this video to learn about one dad’s perspective on co-parenting.

Learn About Child Development

One of the burdens that seems to fall on moms is the invisible responsibility of understanding child development. Everything from fetus development and making doctor’s appointments before the baby arrives to how to have a healthy delivery and beyond usually rest on the mother’s shoulders. And once a baby arrives, there are milestones to reach and observe, tantrums to deal with, scooting and crawling and walking, and the list goes on endlessly for 18 plus years.

Work to share the responsibility of understanding what is going on in your child’s developmental processes by educating yourself. Do not wait for or expect the mom to update you on every expectation. Subscribe to reputable developmental websites and parenting blogs.

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Life doesn't always turn out the way you expect. But you can manage your feelings, expectations, and actions to become the best dad and co-parent possible. Do what you can to make your child feel the love and attention they deserve.

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