My memories with my father are the best. Fishing on a lake, riding my first bike, learning how to paint- they all had some common themes. Fun. Adventure. Learning.
Dads play such a powerful role in the lives of our kiddos. They are great teachers and motivators. I love watching my husband with our daughter, Lillian. The delight that spreads across her face as he walks in the door from work is priceless. No one can make her laugh harder, no one knows how to have more fun with her. He loves to teach her new things and take her outdoors to explore. He is great at fostering her imagination. She ADORES him!
As a new mom, it may be hard to trust dad alone with the baby. One issue I had as a new mother was wanting to control every little detail of my baby. I had a breastfeeding chart, a sleep schedule chart, and a diaper changing chart. I had to be on top of everything or else I would get stressed out. I was worried that Brian did not know how to hold her the right way she wanted to be held or that he was too rough with her. I was nervous to leave her side for more than fifteen minutes. What I needed to do was chill out.
Every mom I talked to has this same issue at first. It is hard to trust that dad can do as good a job as mom. Every movie out there depicts dads as having no idea what to do. We assume we will come home to our poor frazzled husbands trying desperately to get the baby to stop screaming. I once overheard a mother saying to another at a play date: "I just don't trust my husband will take care of our son like I will, so I end up doing everything". Woah- not cool.
Dads need to spend time with their baby! We need to encourage them to do so! They will share a unique and important bond that is significant. Fathers play truly awesome roles in the lives of their children. They can be trusted and we should remind them that they are.
Encourage alone time for father and baby
Chances are, you will need some time to yourself. Schedule time to go run errands, workout, or see a friend and let dad and baby spend time alone together. This will be a good time for them to figure each other out, bond, and cuddle.
Leave control at the door
Trust your husband that he will do the best he can taking care of your baby. If you must leave tips for him, write a list on a paper and mention it gently to him. Allow him to figure out his own special tricks for soothing your baby. When you return, ask about their time together. Encourage him of being the great father he is.
Learn together
A great way to bond as parents is to learn together about your baby. This will give each of you confidence when you are alone with your child. Rent books at the library or buy a DVD that will educate you on sleep training, baby safety, or baby milestones. Take an hour or so together every once in a while to learn something new.
