Fathers

"It should surprise no one that when a new person moves into your home and starts sharing your meals, your space, your chores, your leisure time – your life will change. 

Yet somehow…" 

Expectations

After the excitement and hard work of your child’s birth, bringing your partner and baby home may suddenly find you faced with an overwhelming responsibility.

Many fathers have shared feelings of being:

• alone, left out, unsupported

• distanced from partner

• worried, scared, anxious

• tired, exhausted

• stressed, edgy

• frustrated

• annoyed, angry

• sad, depressed

• happy, elated

• overwhelmed

• inexperienced

"I felt like nothing would be the same again."

Concerns

• relationship with partner, family and friends

• parenting skills

• home, work and leisure routines

• financial needs

• general well-being

Coping

• Get involved - help care for your baby

• Talk to a friend about fathering

• Plan - make a list of should do’s and must do’s

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help and support

• Take time for yourself - do something you enjoy

• exercise

• leisure time

• Use humour - it can give you a brighter outlook

• Go solo - spend time alone with your baby

• Discuss parenting responsibilities and feelings with your partner

• Take time for intimacy

• Enjoy conversation other than parenting

• Hire a babysitter - go out!

• Improve your fathering skills by attending a parenting group such as the Healthy Baby Centres located throughout Grey and Bruce Counties

"It surprised me!"

"The most important thing about me as a father is that I love the role. I take pride in being a nurturing, playful, firm, loving man with my son." 

Resources

Bibliography

The Father’s Almanac, by S. Adams, Sullivan
How To Be a Pregnant Father, by Peter Mayle
Between Father and Child: How To Become The Father You Want to Be, by Levant & Kelly
How to Father, by Dr. James Dobson

Prepared by:

Rita VanderLee and Margie Lougheed, Nursing Students, Georgian College
Nursing Program, Owen Sound, Child Health Program, Grey Bruce Health Unit