Tips for Becoming a Present and Engaged Dad

The best way to adjust to the arrival of a child and engage with them is to play an active role from the time of pregnancy and birth. Here are some ways you can be involved in your role as a father and foster your relationship with your child:

• Get involved in pregnancy monitoring. 

For instance, you may accompany the mother to her medical appointments (e.g., pregnancy monitoring, ultrasound). Don't hesitate to participate in meetings by asking questions.

• Talk with your partner about how you see each other's involvement 

(Baby care, feeding, your involvement if she's breastfeeding, household chores, etc.). Added to this, figure out what values you want to install in your child.

• Attend prenatal classes with your partner

It's a great way to prepare and know what to expect for labor and delivery.

Learn about childbirth, baby care, child development, and parenting. There are also several dad blogs that share their experiences.

• Take advantage of paternity leave to get to know your baby. 

Your presence allows a bond to develop from the moment they are born. This will give you the opportunity to get to know your baby and its unique characteristics. It's also an opportunity for them to get to know you. Parental leave can also extend your time at home, as it can be shared between both parents.

• Take the time to get to know your baby and observe him

Find out what catches his attention the most, and that he easily reacts to. When you know him better, building a relationship with him will be easier.

Attend to your baby from the beginning, even if you're not very comfortable. Try to decipher his cries and find your own way to comfort him. Respond to his needs by changing his diaper, rocking him, talking to him, and singing songs. These comforting gestures develop your sense of parental competence and establish a warm relationship with your little one.

Find activities you enjoy doing with your baby, if possible, without your partner. For example, go for a walk in the stroller or baby carrier, practice skin-to-skin contact, give him a massage, or give him a bath.

• Share your experiences

Talk to your partner and those around you about any concerns or challenges you may be experiencing. Receiving attentive listening, support, and guidance from those close to you can help you gain confidence and ease in your role.

It is essential to allow the other parent to participate in baby care and activities. The involvement of both parents is important for the child's development.

Because they want the best for their child, some mothers tend to dictate their ways. However, it's important to recognize that as long as the baby's safety isn't compromised, there are many ways to care for a toddler. If the father feels his actions are always judged negatively, he may withdraw or constantly be in conflict with the mother.

Conversely, when the mother values ​​the father's skills, the latter tends to be more present and involved with her child.

As a mother, you can therefore:

Be careful to leave space for the father;

Leave your child alone with his father regularly;

Accept that your spouse acts differently from you with your child;

Support and encourage your partner to take part in caring for the child by valuing their good actions.

To Remember

It is important that both parents are involved with their child to promote their well-being and development.

Paternal involvement helps, in particular, helps to develop the child's language and autonomy in addition to promoting their ability to adapt.

Spending time with your child doing activities and taking care of them is a good way to become an involved dad.