5 Fatherhood Lessons New Dads Should Borrow From Their Dads

As you enter fatherhood, you may be experiencing a whirlwind of emotions – joy, excitement, delight and sometimes, even a little bit of anxiety. After all, as a new dad, you now have a little kid to think of and take care of. Moreover, this is a brand new phase for you and your partner as you embark on the journey of parenthood.

But, as a new dad, you can always take tips and pointers from experienced fathers like your own who have done this before and who are aware of what fatherhood really entails. Being a dad is not about being perfect, it is about allowing yourself to learn from those who came before you and growing as a parent.

Ahead of Fathers’ Day, here are some parenting lessons that you can learn from your own dads:

The Role You Play in Your Child's Life

For most kids, fathers are a source of inspiration, as your dad may have been when you were young. As a kid, you too must have looked up to him, and his guidance, devotion and warmth played a crucial role in how your life turned out to be. Similarly, you too need be present in the moment, be involved in your kid’s upbringing and aspire to be a role model for your child.

Balancing Work and Family Life

As a kid, you must remember how your dad always made it a point to take time out of his busy schedule for you. You too will need to find a balance between your work commitments and your growing family. You will have to prioritise and also set boundaries so that your kids get your undivided attention when they need it.

Being Understanding, Tolerant and Patient

How many times as a kid did you get on your dad’s nerves, and were you surprised at how managed to keep his cool? Everyone has been in similar situations, but it’s a vital lesson in patience and self-control. As your kid grows, there will be days when they’ll be trying your patience; but it is important to remember that losing your temper could only be detrimental and harm your kid’s development in the long run.

Support Your Partner

For most children, their parents’ marriage serves as an example of what they want in their own lives. When you were young, you must have seen your own father supporting your mother through good days and bad. As new parents, you too will experience obstacles in your journey; yet, it is important that you and your partner support each other and hold each other up even when it gets tough.

Believe in Yourself

As a new parent, you will probably be flooded with tips and pointers from everyone around you. But it’s important to trust your gut and do what you think is right for your child. You can count on your own dad as an inspiration and a role model as you navigate fatherhood, but you must also attempt to find the parenting style that works best for you and your family.

Fatherhood is a journey like no other, and it can be worth it if you learn to celebrate the good, the bad and the ugly and cherish the little moments. It is likely that you will be making mistakes, but how you learn from them and strive to do better from the next time makes all the difference in the world.