728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Fatherhood › Romancing the Baby

Romancing the Baby

Become an Involved Dad From Day One

By I.J. Schecter

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

Even in today's modern world of dual parenting, many dads are scared into incompetence by the selfless demands of their new role and the ease with which their partners seem to slip into the job of ultra-efficient, super-productive mom. But take heart: Just as when you first learned to ride a bike, execute a lay-up or solve polynomials, the best way to get over your intimidation is by facing it head-on.

"Becoming a father presents each of us a unique opportunity to show what we're made of," says Greg Bishop, head coach for California-based Boot Camp for New Dads. Here are some specific ways to get involved during those first months, when it often seems Mom and Baby are both trying to figure out who the lost-looking guy in the bathrobe is.

Play the Fool
The role dads embrace as naturally as breathing – let's face it – is court jester. Since the instinct for pratfalls and constant jokes seems to be part of the dad wiring, you might as well start warming up early with funny faces, silly sounds and goofy games, all of which babies adore.

While initially you may question the value of sticking out your tongue or making silly expressions, there won't be a stopwatch on the planet able to time how fast you repeat that gesture when you receive a tiny grin in response. Think of it this way – if you were to buzz your lips at your boss, it probably wouldn't be met with a positive response. But doing so to your baby will make him think you invented comedy.


Pages:  1  2  3  4  

Want to see more?

Comments

There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to add a comment.

Post As:
Enter your comment below:
Title
Comment Text
CAPTCHA
Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection.