How to Juggle Priorities as a New Dad

Becoming a Dad

When you thought about becoming a father, what was in your mind? You may have daydreamed about playing ball with your kids, or playing them your favorite music, or reading stories at bedtime. Once you actually have a child, you will realize that there is much more to being a father than these picture perfect moments of togetherness. Often, men go into fatherhood without too much childcare experience, and because of cultural mores, they might even assume that it’s best to let the mother take the lead. For those who truly desire to be involved, connected dads, that mindset will need to change. Fortunately, with a little proactive thought and planning, you can smoothly transition into active fatherhood and learn to manage your new responsibilities with ease.

Have a Partnership Mentality

It’s not always easy to slip into thinking in terms of “we,” even if you have been together for a while. Fathers often see themselves as the assistant parent, deferring to their partner when it comes to the children. While newborns are naturally more bonded to the mom, in part because it’s a survival instinct, this doesn’t mean that dads are not important.  Rather than asking how you can help, take a proactive approach, shouldering the responsibilities of parenthood alongside your partner. Discuss division of household tasks, grocery shopping, middle of the night feedings, house projects, and everything else that goes along with parenting, and come up with a plan together.

Determine Your Priorities

Effective time management requires identifying your priorities, and this is particularly true for fathers. You will want to find a balance in your personal and professional life that allows you to continue to earn a living while also being “all in” with your family. There is research to indicate that prioritizing time based on values, goals, and objectives leads to higher levels of satisfaction, at work and in life. Determine your priorities and organize your days to match your goals and values. Having an organized plan will help you avoid living in a reactive way, which can cause unnecessary stress.

Learn to Be Flexible

Especially when you have children, life is unpredictable. It is important for parents to be adaptable, able to pivot based on what is necessary. This could mean adjusting your schedule, delegating tasks, or shifting your mindset, but embracing the uncertainty will make you better able to manage parenting.

Take Care of Yourself

With everything parents have to do, it can be hard to find time for yourself, but it’s important. Take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating a nutritious diet, and exercising regularly, and set aside time to read, participate in hobbies, or just rest. This is another area in which working out logistics with your partner is a great idea; you both need this down time, and you can help each other achieve it.

Get Involved in Your Community

Making time for community involvement and spiritual practice can help you feel connected, and this positively impacts your well-being. When you have children, being part of a community is important, and it’s also easy! Volunteer at the school, take your kids to church, or join a dad’s group. All of these connections will benefit you and your family.

Center for Vasectomy Reversal Loves Helping New Dads

When you are ready to become a dad, look to us for help, advice, and support. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start their healthy, happy families, and we pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more about the work we do or our discounts for active duty military and veterans, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.