My wife and I are expecting, due in June. Thought it would be a fun thread to hear everyone's best piece of dad advice.
Dad Advice
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Those diapers aren't going to change themselves and she is keeping score!
Don't take things personally. Kids will rub you the wrong way without meaning to.
If you do end up getting frustrated, better to walk away than blow up.
Savor all the moments. I’ve got a 4 and a 2 year old and I can't believe how much time has already passed.
If you do end up getting frustrated, better to walk away than blow up.
Savor all the moments. I’ve got a 4 and a 2 year old and I can't believe how much time has already passed.
run away to Mexico. Don't do that but still it's sometimes helps to know you have drastic options.
Seriously though realize you will make mistakes but it means more that you love the child and try your best. Also keep in mind kids are smart just not fully developed biologically or experientially.
Seriously though realize you will make mistakes but it means more that you love the child and try your best. Also keep in mind kids are smart just not fully developed biologically or experientially.
Enjoy their early years. Try and ignore their "teens". Most become human around 20 years of age...... Finally, before casting judgement upon them ..... remember back to what you were like at that age....... hahahahahaha
Don't have more children than you have hands.
Get a good night's sleep, every night. 'Cause, you ain't gonna get one in a long while. If you have any money saved up for any personal spending, this will be the best time to use it all for yourself. Good luck during next 18 years. Might get lucky with a wonderful kid 
When you're a parent, you may find yourself short on time to plan ahead for important things. Remember: it's ok to use the microwave for drying your tobacco. 10 seconds is often all it takes.
Both of mine are middle aged already (OMG what does that make me?). They maybe the best legacy I can leave the world.
I am scanning lots of old pictures these days and most of them are of my kids growing up. How I wish I could have those moments again.
Enjoy every minute you have with them.
Those will be memories you will cherish.
The best thing you can do for your kids is to love their mother.
I am scanning lots of old pictures these days and most of them are of my kids growing up. How I wish I could have those moments again.
Enjoy every minute you have with them.
Those will be memories you will cherish.
The best thing you can do for your kids is to love their mother.
Definitely make time when things settle down for date nights with the wife and some alone time. Kids can be exhausting and it’s good to get away at times for a recharge.
Sleep when he/she does, and take turns on all the unpleasant tasks!
You are not their friend ... You are the parent. Do the work and, not just the fun work. This only works if you are fully immersed in their well being. Do the best that you can, seek assistance when necessary and do not forget mom's "me" time. The first bit of time you are almost the "third wheel" in the new and evolving relationship. Stay involved, do the work!
I wished I'd have learned to plant and tend to trees before having children.
Gives a very long-term perspective of what the stresses of environment can do.
The days may seem to drag by, while the years will fly.
They'll never be little again - do that thing with them while they still are, and can still enjoy the magic.
Teach responsibilities as soon as possible, now matter how small.
Gives a very long-term perspective of what the stresses of environment can do.
The days may seem to drag by, while the years will fly.
They'll never be little again - do that thing with them while they still are, and can still enjoy the magic.
Teach responsibilities as soon as possible, now matter how small.
"When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years."
Mark Twain (Attributed)
Mark Twain (Attributed)
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There's nothing more important you will need to do in your life than be a great Father and raise your children to be solid citizens. There's nothing more important in the world that has less solid instructions for doing it correctly. And there's nothing more difficult than being a great Parent.
Having Grandchildren now, I realize how much I missed out on as a Parent. Little things. Cherish every single moment. Love them unconditionally. You will have to do things you don't necessarily enjoy and have patience you didn't know you have. Don't feel guilty or bad if you don't always love and enjoy spending time or doing something with them. However, do it regardless. And make sure they enjoy that time and experience.
Regardless of how they may be acting, remember, they are always watching you and will consider you as a role model. Make sure you're a great one. And pray. Pray for their safety, health and happiness. Pray for the strength and wisdom for you and your Wife to be great Parents. Best wishes and good luck!
Having Grandchildren now, I realize how much I missed out on as a Parent. Little things. Cherish every single moment. Love them unconditionally. You will have to do things you don't necessarily enjoy and have patience you didn't know you have. Don't feel guilty or bad if you don't always love and enjoy spending time or doing something with them. However, do it regardless. And make sure they enjoy that time and experience.
Regardless of how they may be acting, remember, they are always watching you and will consider you as a role model. Make sure you're a great one. And pray. Pray for their safety, health and happiness. Pray for the strength and wisdom for you and your Wife to be great Parents. Best wishes and good luck!
^^This. 1000 times this^^
I have eight kids and this is the advice I give new parents.
There's so much one could say about kids, but they really are simple. A strict schedule has made the "baby years" really easy for all 3 of mine. Naps at the same time every day, dinner and supper, bedtime, etc. The baby will get tuned into this schedule and you will plan your day around it. Makes life easy on baby, and for mom and dad.
Really though, my biggest regret is not absorbing every second of the baby years. Pictures and videos don't mean anything if you don't remember the time you had. I actually think taking pictures and videos distracts you from rembering the details. Your brain doesn't store that memory because its tricked into thinking the phone saved it for you. That's my thought at least. I see so many parents who live life through their phone. Or worse, distract their babies with it. Put the phone down and enjoy your baby. It's gone before you know it.
There's endless advice. You learn as you go. You learn what works for you. But one thing holds true for every parents I've talked with - they grow in the blink of an eye.
Really though, my biggest regret is not absorbing every second of the baby years. Pictures and videos don't mean anything if you don't remember the time you had. I actually think taking pictures and videos distracts you from rembering the details. Your brain doesn't store that memory because its tricked into thinking the phone saved it for you. That's my thought at least. I see so many parents who live life through their phone. Or worse, distract their babies with it. Put the phone down and enjoy your baby. It's gone before you know it.
There's endless advice. You learn as you go. You learn what works for you. But one thing holds true for every parents I've talked with - they grow in the blink of an eye.