When a new baby arrives, dads often don’t receive the same level of support and encouragement that moms do during the transition into parenthood. It can take time to figure out how to connect with your little one, and that’s okay—just be present and stay involved in every aspect of caring for your child.
If you are new to parenting, you will be doing everything for the first time. Lean on your friends, family, and community for support as you encounter new experiences. In addition to your trusted circle, there are plenty of resources available to help guide you through the challenges and joys of parenthood.
New mothers may experience the “baby blues,” which can include mood swings, crying spells, and feelings of worry, sadness, and fatigue. These emotions are typically temporary. However, postpartum depression is a more severe and long-lasting condition that affects about 15% of women after childbirth.
Make sure to check in with your partner about how she’s feeling and encourage seeking help if needed.
Dad’s mental health is just as important. Establishing healthy habits to manage stress will help you maintain the energy required to care for your little one. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it—taking care of yourself ensures you can take care of your family.
There’s a saying that when you first become a parent, you’re a “baby” in parenting. Give yourself some grace and take a breath. This is just the start of an incredible journey.
You’ve been in control of your life for a while, but parenting brings a new level of intensity. The sooner you let go of control, the better you’ll adapt to the changes.
Be a Student of Your Child. While there are many parenting tips and best practices, they don’t always work in every situation. Get to know your baby’s unique needs and personality.
Unless there’s illness or injury, babies usually cry for three main reasons: sleep, dirty diaper, or hunger. While your baby will let you know when it’s time for a diaper change, you can set up a routine for feeding and sleeping to help things run more smoothly.
Make sure to get as much sleep as possible. There’s no reason both of you need to be awake at 3 a.m., so take turns and allow each other the gift of rest.
Slings and front carriers can help you keep your baby close while giving your arms a break. Babies are often content in these carriers (especially helpful with fussy babies), and they promote bonding.
It can be hard for a dad to develop his own style while mom is watching. Short solo sessions (20 to 30 minutes) with a well-fed baby are a great start. Early mornings can be a good time for this, as babies are often in a good mood and mom might need the extra sleep.
Your partner may correct you at times or seem to want everything done her way. This is normal—she’s trying to bring some order to what often feels like chaos. Plus, she might actually be right sometimes. As her confidence grows and she becomes more trusting in your parenting, this will ease up.
Whether they realize it or not, fathers serve as role models to their children. A daughter who spends time with a loving father learns the importance of being treated with respect by others and understands what qualities to seek in a partner. Fathers also teach their kids valuable life lessons by embodying qualities like honesty, humility, and responsibility.
Has something like this ever happened to you? I’ve had my fair share of experiences. You’re in a public place, maybe a store, and your child has a full-blown tantrum. All eyes are on you, waiting to see how you’ll handle it. It can be tough to know the best approach in those moments. Here are four strategies for managing tantrums in public places:
Take a moment to think about the world of a toddler. They have little to no control over anything in their environment.
Their world is unpredictable and often confusing to adults, but it makes sense to them. Throughout the day, they have to follow an adult agenda with unexpected twists and turns that they are not yet equipped to handle. While this doesn’t make tantrums acceptable, it does help explain why they happen. Try to show empathy, even if others don’t.
At home, you might try the “ignore it” method, but in public, it’s important to model consideration for others. Allowing a child to cry and scream in public teaches them that disturbing others is acceptable.
If possible, remove them from the area to a quieter, more private space. This not only shows care for others but also helps remove them from the environment that’s causing distress. In a calm, secure space with you, their emotions can settle more easily.
A tantrum is already intense, and you don’t need to add to it with more intensity. It’s difficult, but try to stay calm. If you lose control of your emotions, you’re showing your child that it’s okay for them to lose control of theirs.
One helpful strategy is whispering in their ear. This can help you manage your emotions and prevent raising your voice. It may also calm or distract them, as they’ll need to stop yelling to hear what you’re saying.
Ultimately, the best way to handle a tantrum is to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Developmental milestones are key skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, or waving “bye-bye.” Every child grows at their own pace, so it’s important to monitor their development. Family members and child care providers can help track progress, identify any concerns, and seek assistance when needed. Addressing issues early can help prevent more serious challenges down the road.
For the first six months, breast milk or formula should be your child’s primary source of nutrition. Breast milk is the best option for your baby, but it’s important to support the mother’s choice. If she decides to bottle-feed, you can help by alternating feedings to give her a break. If breastfeeding, mom can pump milk into a bottle, allowing you to be involved in feeding. Around six months, babies may begin showing signs they’re ready for solid foods, such as controlling their head and neck, sitting up with support, and bringing objects to their mouth.
Even before teeth come in, you can protect your baby’s oral health by wiping their gums twice a day with a soft, clean cloth—once after the first feeding in the morning and again before bed. This helps remove bacteria and sugars that can cause cavities. When teeth begin to emerge, brush them at least twice a day with plain water until they’re old enough to learn how to spit out toothpaste.
Parents and caregivers who have a strong social network and reliable support systems are better equipped to create safe and nurturing environments for their children. The Positive Parenting Guide offers valuable information on child development, tips for fostering stimulating and supportive environments, strategies for managing family challenges, and contact information for helpful community resources.
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