1st time dad to the most incredible little girl. The mom and I are not together but remain good friends. How do I know if I'm getting it right? I would love to hear from other dads that are in a similar situation.
2006-08-06 10:20:27 · 10 answers · asked by sayanything127 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
If you are doing everything that you can by helping pay for things for the baby, spending time with the baby, and just being a dad to that baby then you are doing it right. Remember any man can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a dad.
2006-08-06 10:25:39 · answer #1 · answered by Yung-Poet 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Again it is difficult without knowing if you are the primary caregiver, but, unlike the other reply-ees I am going to presume that you are the caregiver to your wee darling. Simply put.. start with the basics. If she is alive.. you are doing something right. (There are a million dangers out there and you have avoided them!) If she is fed you are doing better... ( you know the drill.. the healthier the better.) Clean.. (You are doing well now.) They are the primary responsibilities,... then you get into the other areas, which are equally important as the caregiver or not. A) LOVE... you asking the question shows you deeply love your girl... B) TIME.. express your love by spending time.. the more quality time the better, but even if you can not manage anything exciting.. you are her dad, and any time is better than none. Even if it is cleaning the car. C) VALUES.. teach her right from wrong... teach her about your faith... (Make sure you discuss this with your ex partner as it is important there is no competition or right/wrong arguments that your girl is privy to... if you have differeing beliefs, be open with her about this and do not impose your own..). and so and so forth.. it is a lifelong journey that starts with each step. There are days where you only manage the primaries and that is ok too. Welcome to parenthood.
2006-08-06 11:11:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are getting it right if you have a relationship with the child and are helping to support her emotionally and finacially, maintaining a good relationship with her mother and keeping the lines of communication open there. Most important look at your child, is she happy, healthy, clothed, fed, loved, does she smile when daddy walks in the room if you say yes then guess what YOU ARE DOING IT RIGHT. Kids don't need all the material things they need their parents love and support more than anyhting else and even if you don't know something dont feel bad we all had to learn and that baby will teach you all you need to know if you just listen.
2006-08-06 11:43:52 · answer #3 · answered by Martha S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, the fact that YOU CARE says you probably WILL GET IT RIGHT!
#1. See her when you can.
#2. Make child support (she can't help who her mother is or how her mother acts).
#3. See that she has milk/food (just because you paid child support doesn't mean its spent on "child support" also, child support is usually "not enough")
#4. Keep up with her clothing sizes if you want to "help out" with that
#5. Video/photograph when you can, especially with a "time/date" stamp, this can be your best friend, plus it gives you something to look at later
#6. Also, you can keep track of her "firsts" if your into that. First crawl, walk, word, etc. Just get her mother and you both a good Baby Book.
2006-08-06 10:52:27 · answer #4 · answered by AdamKadmon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just make sure you pay child support, or are you the guardian of the child? That and be around to actually help raise her. When she's at your home, under your care, anything you can't figure out, you can always call a hospital to speak to a nurse or midwife. They can talk you through the rough stuff.
2006-08-06 10:27:20 · answer #5 · answered by classyjazzcreations 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry that your mom and dad are not together. Follow your heart. And be the best you can be with your little girl. Always keep in mind children don't ask to be born.
2006-08-06 10:32:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband was a single father for 9 years when I met him (his first wife passed away) and all you can do is the best you can. Be there for your EX and your child. Spend as much time with her as you can, as it is VERY important that a child knows that they have the love and support of both parents.
2006-08-06 10:26:09 · answer #7 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'm not a dad but a mom and you never will know untill they grown and doctors or lawyers yours might even be the first female president lol after my son of course lol
2006-08-07 07:15:56 · answer #8 · answered by heather f 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
always use positive affirmations and try to talk to the baby in normal voice and tones , keep the baby talk to a minimum studies have shown this will help development of the infant
2006-08-06 10:29:31 · answer #9 · answered by mohvictor 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How do you know if you are getting WHAT right???
2006-08-06 10:25:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋