Happy Fathers’ Day! In honor of your special day, we’d like to share a few tips for new dads to make life a little easier during this monumental life transition to fatherhood.
Think About Your Role Models.
Think about the important men throughout your life, your father, grandfather, uncles, friends, mentors. What characteristics and qualities do you want to emulate? Which ones do you want to avoid? Particularly during stressful times, it takes conscious effort to avoid repeating negative behaviors with which we were raised. What kind of father do you want to be? What are the activities and conversations you’ve shared with male role models that have been most meaningful to you? What are you thankful for in your relationships with the important men in your life? On this Fathers’ Day, consider giving this gift to yourself and your child.
Ask For What You Need.
Becoming a father brings psychological, relationship, and lifestyle changes. Findings from some studies suggest that fathers, like mothers, experience hormonal changes like decreased testosterone and increased oxytocin, vasopressin, and prolactin. These and all of the other changes you’re going though can leave you feeling lost and exhausted. Sometimes it’s hard to ask for help or just the self-care time that you need. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your partner, friends, and familiar for extra support!
Connect With Other Dads.
There are many opportunities for new moms to connect–postpartum groups, breastfeeding classes, resources, play groups, etc. Thankfully, there is so much attention on new moms and supporting them. Unfortunately, there has not been enough attention on supporting the transition for dads. New dads can end up feeling isolated. Being part of a dad community can be a great source of support. For an example of all the fun to be had, “check out this clip from the movie “What to Expect When You’re Expecting.”
References – https://www.fatherly.com/health-science/fatherhood-changes-mens-brains-bodies/
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