I need your expert advise

Philippines
April 11, 2007 3:16am CST
Hi to all the dads out there! I'm a new father and don't know much about raising a child since I grew up without a father. My daughter is just two months old and we don't interact much yet. I just learned how to chage diapers and make the baby burp. I'm sure I have a lot to learn and I would appreciate tips that you can give me about raising a baby. Thanks!
1 person likes this
7 responses
• Philippines
22 Apr 07
Congratulations Dad!Hehehe.That's a big responsibility. There are much said by others and I do agree with them. Time is important and showing of affection especially physical contact like hug, kiss, carrying her, playing and tickling her and always making her happy is important. Before bedtime and waking up in the morning are important, it's much better if she sees you in the morning and give her a hug and kiss. Goodluck!
1 person likes this
• Philippines
24 Apr 07
Hey, thanks for the ideas... I'll try to do all those things that you said. I'm sure she'll like it and peraps remember it when sh grows up!
@SEOGUY (906)
• United States
22 Apr 07
Do as much with her as possible now. If your watching tv, hold her in your lap. Its the constant contact she will grow up remebering. She will always think " my daddy was always there." Help with feeding, and better brush up on playing house, when she gets to be three you better know how to do a decent tea party. Most of all just injoy and have fun. Alot of fathers have no idea how to treat a baby girl, or son for that matter. Most of us guys never had a close relationship with our fathers at a very young age, they mainly left the early childhood rearing to mom. But the more time you spend with her the more it will bring out your inate parenting skills. You'll be fine.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
24 Apr 07
Yeah, I think I can now relate to most of the things that people have written here. I never thought there are people out there, especially guys who have soft spots for babies. Thanks!
• Malaysia
23 Apr 07
Oh congratulations my friend :) i not married yet so i have no idea or advice to give...Whatever it is, be a good father to your child and be a good husband to your wife. Remember that life is kind of test. Be strong my friend..
• Philippines
24 Apr 07
Thanks for those words of encuragement! I really appreciate it. I'm sure you'll also be a good parent someday, perhaps I'll be able to give you some advise when that time comes.
@jayperiod (870)
• United States
11 Apr 07
You just need to make spending time with her a priority. You won't be there for all the important things, i.e. first steps, first words, etc. Don't worry about that. But if you make it a priority to be there whenever you can, as she grows, she'll learn that she is important to you. I was lucky enough to work for a company that gave me a month off after my daughter was born. I stayed home while my wife went back to work. It was a great bonding time, but she doesn't remember that now. What she does remember is that I'm at her softball practices and games, that I help her in the evenings with homework, practicing sports, practicing music, and other things that are important to her. If you establish a pattern many of the things you worry about will disappear. Your pattern of being there for her will even cover the multitude of mistakes you're bound to make. Don't let the little things get you down, focus on the big picture. Quality time can't be overlooked. Just make sure "quantity of time" doesn't get tossed out.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
13 Apr 07
This is definitely great advice. I will keep this in mind. Thank you so much!
• Philippines
24 Apr 07
Hi, I 've got two baby daughters of my own.The eldest is 4 years old and the second one is almost 2 years old. The only thing that I can say is that raising them brings so much fulfillment to me as a father. From changing diapers and waking up in the wee hours in the morning for hourly feeding when they were still infants... i kinda miss those times now bcoz they're a bit grown up already and soon they'll be going to school. Just enjoy and savor every moment with your baby daughter, talk to her often, make your voice very familiar to her, trust me, they listen. regards,
@bowtieguy (5915)
• United States
11 Oct 07
at that age they crave a lot of attention, love and attention is what gives them the will to live, just holding her sometimes and makeing her laugh will make all of the diffrence, if you remain distanced from her now she will only distance her self from you when she grows older. the love you show her now will remain in her heart always and she will carry that these feeling for you the rest of her life.
@sunup13 (420)
• Canada
24 Apr 07
Okay I'm not a dad but here is what my boyfriend does to connect with our daughter (she is 6 months old): He was always helped dress, change, bottle feed and burp her. He also tries to bath her and takes her for walks. Get a Snuggli (baby carrier) he loves his and takes her in it to the mall, anywhere and she loves to be so close to him. He takes naps with her, holds her while they watch cartoons, computer or video games. Read to her and talk to her constantly, don't worry if you can't sing, just crank on some tunes and dance with her and sing along. Babies love attention, it really doesn't matter what you do as long as you try and have fun with it. Good luck!