Do you believe that fatherhood changes a man?
There are few life experiences that are as transformative as having a child. In theAsianparent Community, one user asked a question about how men are changed by fatherhood.
While some men react negatively to fatherhood, plenty of men experience positive changes after having a child. Some mums eagerly shared their own experiences on how their partners became better overall after becoming a father.
Retrieved from theAsianparent community page.
1. He seems more content.
“He finally looked ‘settled,’” Roshni M. wrote. “Hard to explain, but there was a ‘sorted’ air around him.”
Pamela P. witnessed something similar in her partner: “He looked quite anchored and didn’t miss socialising as much as he did earlier.”
Having a kid is a huge accomplishment, and so it’s only natural that men would rearrange their priorities and gravitate towards their children. After all, there are few things more fulfilling than being a father.
2. He becomes more motivated.
“The biggest change I noticed in my husband is that he now works harder for the family,” Raswan S. responded.
“He started going to the gym to keep himself fit for the little one. Spends a lot of quality time with family. He’s very happy and proud of his son, and goes all out to give him the best.”
Men are the traditional breadwinners in the family. Once they have more mouths to feed, men have more motivation to put in the long hours.
Image source: iStock
But it’s important to learn balance. Jorelle A.’s husband used to meet up with his friends for a drink every week, but after she gave birth, he settled down and worked harder at the office. However, her husband now works a little too hard:
“Now he focuses TOO much on work till he hardly ever had time for family,” she wrote. “He always puts work on his top priorities and often neglected his family. I guess he still needs time to balance out things in his life.”
3. He learned to step up around the house.
You know you caught a good one when he steps up to the challenge and acts as a team player.
“I never knew my husband knows how to do housework,” wrote Stella B.Y. “We had dated eight years before we got married, and not once did I see him do any housework. Once I got pregnant, he knew how to mop the floor, bathe my dog, and do the dishes.
Fatherhood made him a very good helper at home. He used to be glued to his computer but is now so involved with my little girl. Fatherhood brings the best out of him and I am so impressed!”
Positive change doesn’t happen immediately for everyone. Some dads need a little more time.
Chetna J. didn’t notice any drastic changes in her husband after their baby was born. Though he was affectionate with the baby, he still acted like a bachelor.
“It was not till the baby turned 4 that he actually started behaving like a father,” she wrote.
“Now, he misses her when she is not around and tries to be home on time because he wants to spend time with her. He takes her shopping for her dolls and clothes. He has just stepped into the shoes of a father.”
Image source: Stock
How To Ease the Transition Into Fatherhood
Becoming a dad is an incredible journey filled with joy, challenges, and personal growth. It’s essential to provide support and guidance to help fathers smoothly transition into their new role.
Whether you’re a soon-to-be dad or someone looking to assist a new father in your life, these five tips will help ease the transition and ensure a positive experience for both the father and the child.
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Encourage Active Involvement
One of the most crucial aspects of fatherhood is active involvement in every aspect of the child’s life. Encourage dads to participate in diaper changes, feeding, bathing, and playtime. By being present and engaged, fathers can establish a strong bond with their children from the very beginning.
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Foster Open Communication
Effective communication between partners is vital during the transition to fatherhood. Encourage the new dad to openly express their feelings, concerns, and challenges. Encourage them to engage in discussions about parenting strategies, division of responsibilities, and other important matters.
Supporting open communication helps fathers feel heard and validated, fostering a more inclusive and collaborative parenting approach.
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Provide Patience and Understanding
Becoming a dad can be overwhelming, especially with the new responsibilities and changes in lifestyle. Patience and understanding are key in helping dads navigate through this transition period.
Acknowledge their efforts, validate their emotions, and offer a listening ear when needed. Let them know that it’s normal to feel uncertain or stressed and reassure them that they are doing a great job.
Fatherhood comes with a myriad of responsibilities, but it’s crucial for dads to prioritise their own well-being too. Encourage fathers to practice self-care by setting aside time for themselves.
Whether it’s engaging in hobbies, exercising, or spending time with friends, self-care activities can help reduce stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
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Build a Supportive Network
Encourage dads to seek support from other fathers or join parenting groups. Building a supportive network provides an opportunity to share experiences, gain insights, and find reassurance in the challenges they face. Connecting with other dads can help foster a sense of camaraderie and provide a valuable support system throughout their journey.
Transitioning into fatherhood can be life-changing for many dads, and their involvement in their little one’s lives can add so much colour. Were there changes in your partner after he became a father? What were some of your favourite moments? Share them with us in the Facebook comments 🙂
Be sure to check out theAsianparent Community for more insightful stories, questions, and answers from parents and experts alike. If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below.
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