First Time Fatherhood

[CooleyAsCanBe]

Originally Posted by skinsguy

Since joining this board almost a decade ago (wow, has it been THAT long), I know some of you guys have become first time fathers. Heck, some of you first time fathers have become second, third and fourth time fathers by now. Well, my wife and I are expecting our first in December. It's still a little early to make an official announcement, but we're so excited that we can't seem to keep it to ourselves.

Now, my wife bought me a "Fatherhood Survival Kit book" (I'm paraphrasing I don't know the exact title right off the top of my head) which I plan on reading cover to cover. But, I figured I'd get some "real life" testimonies, if you will, from some of you guys here who have recently (in the past several years) have become first time Dads. Heck, even those who have been Dads for awhile.

What was it like initially for you? Was it a "Oh crap, here goes the rest of my life" feeling or did you think of it as a cool new addition to an already pretty cool life? Did you think fatherhood changed you in anyway? Did you think it aged you (other than maybe maturing you?) Or, do you still feel as young as ever, just maybe a bit more grounded?

Congratulations, Skinsguy! I had one kid when I joined Warpath around the same time as you. Now I've got five (yeah, you read that right).

Life changes and there are sacrifices, but it's all certainly worthwhile.

My advice: always give more love than you think necessary; be patient and let them act like kids (it's easy to expect too much of them); work together with your wife and be consistent in disciplining your kids, but always follow-up discipline with a sincere showing of love; and as they get older make sure they see how much you love your wife and that she always comes first. Last one may seem counter-intuitive, but it makes for a stronger home and sets a good foundation for your kids' future relationships.

Fatherhood is outstanding. You're the best dad your kid(s) can have.