You Are Part Of A Renaissance In Fatherhood!
As you know, this is not your father’s fatherhood. What you may not appreciate is that due to the opportunities we have to be part of our children’s lives today, there has never been a better time to become a dad. And given how men who are becoming fathers are making the most of it, tomorrow will even be better.
As the founder of Boot Camp for New Dads, I have watched this transformation for almost two decades. It used to be rare to see a father holding his baby, let alone be out on his own with her. Now I see them all over the place, and with this, the notion of the father being a secondary parent or an assistant mom is on its way out.
One of the big changes is that we fathers are talking to each other about the challenges we face, and are getting answers we trust. We are in this together, sort of brothers-(with babies)-in-arms, and you may be interested in a few points the thousands of new dads that have come to our workshops to orient the rookie dads-to-be have stressed:
1. As men, we bring strength, practicality and creativity to being dads, along with unique parenting trait that add substantially to the richness and growth of the lives of our children.
2. In the months after the birth, your mate will form a whole new perspective of you as the father of her child. Use this window of opportunity to strengthen your relationship and it will pay off for a decade.
3. Trust your instincts. Most of what you need to know comes naturally. Comfort your baby, give him a bath, trust yourself, and in a week, you’ll start feeling like a natural.
If you have any particular questions about the challenges you face, ask us for answers. That’s why we are here.
Greg Bishop
Head Coach, Boot Camp for New Dads
March 29, 2007 at 9:51 am
Greg:
I am helping get a Boot Camp for New Dads going here at St Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids Iowa. I have worked previuosly here with Young Parents Network. Started primarily for teenagers having babies and focused on the young mothers that decided to keep their babies. I got involved when they expanded it ti include those young fathers who wanted to be involved. I recently became a grandfather for the first time. My grandson is now 4 months old. My own children are 34,31,29,24 and 21. I will be married 35 years April 15th. I currently work on a Children’s and Adolescent Behaverial Health Unit at ST Luke’s Hospital. I hjave been at St Luke’s for 20 years. I have experinece doing private duty with premies and BPD babies. Also was in charge of the Newborn Nursery for 6 months when I got activiated for Desert Storm. I am glad to see an organization such as yours to come along. I spent 10 years active duty military and know many who would have benefited. And probably would have saved some marriages. Thanks any help I can be in any way please let me know. Sincerely Daniel J. Abel
April 10, 2007 at 8:28 pm
Dan,
It is always great to hear from a fellow coach, and a grandfather! I am jealous, but am told to be patient as my 4 children are only 18 - 26. Your experience is wonderful, and any advice you have for the guys, particularly those with premies or young dads, would be most welcome. Thanks for helping prepare men to take care of their kids. Greg