On Being A Father

By Damian Papworth

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 brings about newfound accountability-a sense of responsibility for a new life is nothing to be taken lightly. Things do change. As a matter of fact, the transition can be a tough period, both emotionally and physically. Caring for a new life can takes it toll. It may be hard to realize just how much your life changes when you've got a child to care for.

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

Of course, with these changes, there's a whole lot of anxieties too. No one is perfectly calm and collected when a new life is on the way. It's absolutely normal to experience these sorts of fears and worries. Psychologists actually say that the majority of men have concerns about becoming new fathers.

Although it may indeed be a rather taxing time, the best way to get over these fears is to confront them head on.

Many soon to be fathers grapple with issues like finances, health and alterations in lifestyle. It can be quite a shock to have to deal with all these changes at once.

One of the major issues that comes up when a new child is expected in a household is money. Money, is, of course, a contentious issue in most contexts, but it can be particularly troubling when it concerns providing for a child. Babies and children in general aren't cheap. Expect to spend at least $10,000 in the first year alone. It may seem like a lot of money, especially in fiscally tight times, but you can make it work.

A young child needs diapers, special food, medical attention, clothes, toys, and the list goes on. It's not exactly cheap to raise a child; but keep in mind too, that expenses can easily be reeled in. A budget needs to be made and stuck to. Of course, there will be some things that you have to give up, going out on the town, for instance, or getting new cars and gadgets may have to hold off. But remember too, that all a baby really needs is love.

Another big concern that often comes up has to do with health issues. Many parents, both mothers and fathers to be, are worried about what could go wrong. What would happen if their child's health is at risk in some way? The good news is that there are solid statistics to reassure even the most nervous of soon to be parents-fully 96-97% of all children are born without any health issues at all. The key is to focus on staying positive and keeping a glass half full attitude. Don't worry.

Yet another apprehension that tends to distress all new fathers and fathers to be is the fear of being an inadequate or bad parent. It is, of course, a very common fear. Yet, the mere fact of being worried simply reinforces the reality that you will be a good father. Caring goes a long way.

Love is what matters. All good fathers simply need to give a whole lot of love. - 30224

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