10 Things New Dads Can Do As You Enter Fatherhood

When mothers see two faint lines on the pregnancy test, it's usually them who are “burdened” to learn about motherhood. Though Dads are ecstatic about the news, there are few guides on “How to become a Daddy” than those of entering motherhood.

Below are 10 things you can do to prepare for fatherhood. These are easy-peasy tips on how to basically become a daddy (and develop a deeper relationship with your child). Share this list with a new dad!

10 Things New Dads Can Do As You Enter Fatherhood 

1. Join the visits to the OB-GYN.

Accompany your wife to the OB visits and check-ups, as much as you can. Ask questions and be involved like you’re pregnant, too. It's your baby too!

RELATED: What Dads-To-Be Can Do For Their Wives: A Checklist For The Clueless

2. Talk to your child in the womb.

Baby can recognize your voice when he gets out. And never stop talking to him until he grows up. It starts with babbles, lullabies, answering “what’s that” questions, talking about basketball and fighting over game consoles.

3. Take on newborn chores.

Even though you can’t technically breastfeed, take the other newborn chores like changing diapers, skin-to-skin time, bath time and such.

RELATED: Dear Mom, You Need to Trust Dad That He Can Take Care of Baby

This way the baby will build his trust around you and know you early on. Beware: newborn scent is very addicting BUT will only pass as a blink of an eye.

4. Play with your baby.

Your little one will consider you as his first playmate and get ready to play with every waking hour of your life. Doesn’t matter if your sleeping or resting, your child will literally jump to you to play.

RELATED: Dads, Play With Your Kids: Experts Say Playtime Develops Language, Good Behavior, And More

5. Spend one-on-one time with your child.

Yes, even if it means just getting ice cream and chocolate away from Mommy.

Doug Kramer talks about why he makes sure to spend one-on-one time with each child in this story. You can read the benefits in the same article on spending time with each child.

RELATED: Here's Why You Should Take Your Kids Out On One-On-One Dates Like Doug And Kendra Kramer

6. Compliment your child.

Throw compliments every now and then. Act like you’re busy with something then say, “Good job!” That wide smile from your little one will be an unforgettable one.

RELATED: 6 Effective Verbal Praises That Will Work Wonders On Your Kids

7. Be updated with their likes and interests and let them know you know.

It may not come as second nature to you to learn about all the characters or games, but it's worth spending time to get to know. These are important to your child after all. Use it to connect with your child in conversation. They will feel valuable and important to you.

8. If you want them to behave or do good, do it first and watch them imitate you.

Remember that parenting is largely about modeling. Children follow what we do first before what we say.

RELATED: How to Be Your Child's Role Model: Let Him See You Do These 5 Things

9. Trust your gut because not only mothers have mother’s instinct.

You are just as much of a parent to your child as her mother is. Fathers are not the second fiddle.

10. Enjoy the wild ride that is fatherhood!

Here are more reads about fatherhood you might enjoy:

• 5 Timeless Ways Dads Can Have a Stronger Relationship With Their Sons
• 10 Papel na Ginagampanan ng Isang Ama sa Buhay ng Kanyang Anak
• Go, Dad! 5 Lifelong Benefits a Hands-On Dad Can Give His Child