November 9, 2009

Welcome to Fatherhood

Filed under: Home — Guest Author @ 3:07 am

There’s something about being a new father. There’s excitement in the air. Many new things loom ahead. It’s a completely life-altering experience, that will bring about definite changes. Of course, changes, especially of this magnitude, can be somewhat daunting. However, it’s not something to fear. It should be celebrated.

Fatherhood is definitely a life changing event. Many new fathers experience a rollercoaster ride of emotions-it’s not just expectant mothers who are fraught with emotional highs and lows. There’s the excitement of being dad, mixed with fear of not being a good enough parent, along with dread about the changes that will have to be made.

Being a brand new dad means that changes are in store; life as you knew it is over.

Obviously, this brings up some tensions coupled with a good deal of anxiety and apprehension. When a huge, life changing event such as becoming a new dad is at hand, some people tend to panic, others become distraught and frustrated. But the good news is that these reactions are normal. It’s a very natural reaction.

It can be a difficult time in fact, but confronting the common fears that new dads and dads to be are facing can be quite helpful.

Here’s a look at some of the common worries and fears that face new dads to be.

One major issue revolves around the topic of money. Most people aren’t wealthy and having another mouth to feed in the household does cost some serious dough. Expect to pull those purse strings so to speak. Saving is a necessity. On average, new parents probably will put down some $10,000 on their child. Medical expenses, new furniture, baby food, diapers, clothes, toys, and the list goes on and on.

Careful planning and tight budgeting are a necessity of preparing for a new child. You do have to make some concessions. You can live a more simple, less consumption oriented lifestyle. Keep in mind too that babies don’t require all the latest toys or the newest clothes-all they really need is some TLC, tender, loving care.

Yet another topical worry or apprehension that many new fathers face concerns itself with health. Fathers and mothers are alike are worried about whether or not their child will born without any serious afflictions. A lot of things could go wrong. The question of what happens should your child suffer from an incurable disease or disorder is on every parent’s mind. The facts should, however be more than reassuring; the overwhelming majority of children around 97% are born without any significant health concerns whatsoever. The only thing a parent needs to concentrate on is how to give the best love and care to their child. Positive thoughts are essential.

A common fear that afflicts many new parents is that of being not quite good enough. Many parents, fathers and mothers alike, have this idea of the ideal parent and they are afraid of not being able to live up to that. The truth is though, the very fact that you’re thinking about whether you can or can’t live up to that ideal goes to show that you care and that’s the first step to becoming a good father.

All that really matters when you boil it down is love.

Damian Papworth is a dedicated father and husband. He went so far as to take his wife shopping recently, she was looking for women’s walking shoes. He found this women’s shoes website very helpful.