by Thomas Hobson
Child Life Director

If you haven’t been a regular reader of this blog, you may not know that I am the father of five and a half year-old twins (and the ½ is very important; just ask them).  As a matter of fact, I have a boy and a girl.  So, I’ve had lots of experiences with both genders.  (For instance, just because you have a daughter, doesn’t mean that you won’t be peed on.)

Now, when you take having a boy and a girl, my role at Le Bonheur Children’s, and I’m just a likeable guy, I end up getting asked to give “pep talks” to friends of mine who are new dads.  I don’t mind helping out because being a new dad can be overwhelming.  Personally, I can still remember the gibbillies I experienced before my children were born.

Now, my advice to dads is pretty straight forward:  if you rearrange the letters in PARENT (and add an R), it spells PARTNER.  That’s what new fathers need to remember that they are partners, which means they need to go ahead and jump in.  I promise that mom will be happier, your child will be happier, and you’ll be happier.

The next piece of advice, for new dads, is that your new baby is not an etched glass sculpture.  You won’t break your baby.  Now, that doesn’t mean throw them around like a ragdoll, but don’t feel like you’re going to hurt your baby by changing diapers, giving baths, or feeding them.  Remember, humans have been raising children for thousands and thousands of years.

So, new dads, rejoice in knowing that you can be the dad of the year by simply helping and playing.  It’s a great way for dads to start their relationship with their child.  And years from now, your baby will think back fondly of your time.

Oh yea, and new moms, remember to let the new dad help.  He’ll need the practice, especially for the times that you’re exhausted…