Magical father child bonding moments

1. Holding your newborn for the first time.

Whether a father feels nervous, excited or overwhelmed, holding a newborn baby for the first time is always a special moment for bonding. Feelings of anxiety and worry are washed away with the realisation that something so tiny and cute isn’t that scary after all.

2. Changing a diaper for the first time

Some fathers would put this one in the ‘emotional downs’ list previously mentioned. In actual fact, it holds a lot of significance. Although shared between a father and child, it’s also important for the mother-father relationship. It shows a father taking responsibility despite (perhaps) being a little out of their comfort zone.

3. Having Christmas with your baby for the first time.

A marriage becomes a family when a child is born and there’s no better time to cherish family than at Christmas. Although the festive period with a new baby may not be the most peaceful, it’s certainly the most special. Dads can also start looking forward to many years of receiving festive socks from their little one.

4. Having a nap together for the first time.

Sometimes being a Dad all day gets tiring. Being a baby is pretty exhausting too. When a father and child nod off together, it\'s especially adorable. Identical sleeping positions make for an added heartwarming affect.

5. Hearing ‘Dada’ for the first time.

Two syllables that will always light up a father’s face. A father will feel proud not only the first time he hears it, but also the 100 or so following times. And let’s not even get started on ‘Mama’ vs ‘Dada’ first-word-rivalry.

6. Seeing your child walk for the first time.

It’s always exciting to see a baby sit up and crawl. However, the moment they start to actually walk can bring a tear to the eye of even the toughest father. A proud moment when you realise your baby is growing up.

7. Teaching a child to ride a bike for the first time.

This one is straight out of the parenting book of clichés. Nevertheless, there’s always a nice warm feeling a father will get when they see their child ride their bike into the distance (without stabilisers.)

8. Playing sport for the first time.

This is a true bonding moment. Whether it’s football, basketball or just a simple game of catch, playing sports together also presents an opportunity for a father to give his ‘expert’ sporting advice!

9. Sending a child to school or University for the first time.

Most fathers won’t admit it, but there’s always a bit of a lump in their throat when they send their kids off to school for the first time. As you wave goodbye, you think, ‘is it too soon to be out in the big bad world?’

10. Seeing them get married (for the first time, and hopefully last).

Our final special moment between a father and his child – although by this stage, the child doesn’t seem so young anymore. And it’s this very fact that makes this moment all the more poignant for a father. A child has grown into an adult and all the precious childhood memories will coming flooding back as they walk down the aisle.