There's a little one on the way, and I won't be able to be around all the time. I won't be there through the pregnancy, hopefully will be present for the birth, but probably won't be around much during infancy. I'm just a little confused as to what my role is, knowing I can't always be around, but being a provider
2006-11-29 16:23:04 · 9 answers · asked by manna eater 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
Not every dad has the ideal 9-5 job where he is able to be home a lot with his family. My husband has always worked long and crazy hours since we had our two kids and it works just fine.
The key is to make the most of the time you do have with your children. And don't wait to bond! It is always easy for moms to bond right away, but most dads have to work at it. The thing is to work on that relationship from the beginning.
Also, make sure you not only make time to play with the kids, but help mom out too. God forbid anything happens to mom, but if something did happen your little ones need to be secure in the fact that you can also feed, change and take care of them.
Just love that baby be best you can and in the meantime, just be the most loving and understanding to mom. She is going through so many changes in her body shape and hormones etc. For most of us, pregnancy is not bliss, so help her out when you can and be open to help from family and friends later in the pregnancy.
Congratulations!
2006-11-29 20:27:34 · answer #1 · answered by scottnkris819 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, your role would be to just help and support her as much as you can! When you are home, you can try to help her out around the house...if you aren't sure, ask her what she wants/needs you to do...if you notice little things that need to be done that she hasn't had time for, try to do those things! Also, spend as much time w/ baby as you can, since you won't be around all the time! You seem like you're doing a good job so far, just by asking what you can do! Being a good dad is an important job...take pride in it!! Congrats on the little one on the way!!! Good luck!
2006-11-29 16:29:10 · answer #2 · answered by Renee B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My husband had trouble with this too. His father never changed a single diaper for any of his three sons, and considered mom's night off a chore instead of an opportunity. My husband loved taking care of our son-- bathtime has always been his forte! Because I bottle-fed our son, he and I got to take turns with the feedings, something that breastfeeding parents rarely get to share!
My husband cherished his time with the baby, even more so because he works full-time, up to 60 hrs a week, while I stay home. Now our son is two years old, and my husband has more fun teaching him new words, and playing silly games with him!
Yes, your wife will be the know-all and end-al in all baby matters for the first few months, and you may end up as more the "babysitter/mommy's helper" than the daddy for the first couple of weeks (at least), but you can enjoy the chances you have to interact with a living miracle that YOU helped to create! It's an awesome responsibility, but it is also a joyful one.
2006-11-29 16:48:50 · answer #3 · answered by Angela M 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Supporting your family is a great role in life. Also being supportive and during pregnancy helping when you are around are a blessing to both mom and child.
My husband felt a bit left out early on because of his work schedule, but he has been an important part of our children's lives in ways that I could never be. I have very much appreciated that he has been involved in their lives and that he was patient during the time when they took up so much of my time. ; )
Remember, infancy is just the begining of childhood. The fun stuff is ahead. (Legos, stories, hiking...you get the picture.)
2006-11-29 17:18:18 · answer #4 · answered by tantiemeg 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the beginning, mom is there for baby and dad is there for mom. A new baby is all-consuming and you are there to provide love, support, encouragement and food. :) You also are the objective prospective when it is time for her to get a nap, go out by herself, or take a break. As a dad, you also have a vital role in your child's development. You model what a grown-up man behaves like. You teach your daughter what it is like to be respected and cherished or your son how to grow into his role of manhood. Be around as much as you can. You will find that you will bond in ways you never knew you could.
2006-11-29 16:36:10 · answer #5 · answered by Sylvia M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just be a good dad and a better partner. Whenever you have free time, give her a break. It will allow her to keep her sanity and still feel like a whole person. Whenever you are home, do your best to help her by picking up the slack. And don't forget to take your wife out without baby once in a while, so you that you don't put your relationship on the back burner, which can cause relationships to fall apart.
2006-11-29 16:27:41 · answer #6 · answered by MRod 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I dont mean to be smart, but the answer is 'you'll know!'. There is a lot to enjoy about caring for and bringing up a baby and i wont be surprised if you work your schedule so you will be around the little one all the time!
2006-11-29 16:31:08 · answer #7 · answered by itponnana 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bringing in the revenue is, of course, important. But there are lots of parenting things that you can do, especially as kids get older. You can ask the wife for suggestions, and she will appreciate the help.
2006-11-29 16:27:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
be there for her like threw letters or phone as well as provider. listen to her encourage her and let her know how important you are too her. this will go a long way for all moms.
2006-11-29 16:32:42 · answer #9 · answered by beachgirl90 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋