“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: he believed in me.” – Amy Heckerling
Think about this quote as you plan for one of the biggest journeys of your life. Come check out a Dadday class. We’ll help you think through what it means to be a new father living in the 21st century. Be sure to look at our website for more information: http://www.dadday.org.
A Father’s Love
A father is respected because
he gives his children leadership…
appreciated because
he gives his children care…
valued because
he gives his children time…
loved because
he gives his children the one thing
they treasure most – himself.
–Unknown
The other day, the Dadday team was discussing the many different resources that exist to support mothers and fathers in the early stages of parenthood. Sometimes, the support can seem overwhelming; the key is to find a balance. Truth be told, you have your child’s entire life to utilize the resources coming your way, so take time to sort through them and prioritize.
Begin by doing an inventory of where you feel you need help. Ask yourself, where do you feel the most concerned? For most parents, the sheer prospect of caring for another human being is daunting. Reach out to friends and family that have done this once or twice before. They are sure to give you wonderful tips that not only organize you, but also support you. It is easy to have casual conversations about the future with friends that leave you feeling the same. Be strategic and purposeful about your discussions. If necessary, set aside specific times for questions, and come with a list.
With your questions and thoughts in mind, also be sure to talk with your partner’s doctor about ways to prepare. You might be surprised at some of the interesting advice he or she may give based on experience. Your partner’s doctor might open your eyes to some ideas that you had not even considered. It is imperative that you see him or her as a resource, in the same way that your spouse does.
Friends, families, and doctors are certainly great places to start, but you should also consider how powerful it is to have a group of peers support you on this journey. We would define peers as other men who are currently developing as fathers, and are also searching for answers through collaboration. At a Dadday workshop, we offer the space for this very concept. We teach students to adjust to their new lives thoughtfully and effectively. If you are looking for a way to jumpstart the support around you, come check us out this Saturday, September 15 at the Roosevelt Hospital. Also, visit our website, www.dadday.org for more information on what we do.
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