“The nature of impending fatherhood is that you are doing something that you’re unqualified to do, and then you become qualified while doing it.” –John Green.
Preparing for the fatherhood journey includes dealing with the emotions of excitement and anxiousness at their peak. As soon as you get the pregnancy news, you tend to make different plans to ensure your child’s safe delivery and growth. The happiness and health of your little one become the priority and must not be neglected at any cost.
However, fatherhood is not bound to provide a convenient life for the child. It also includes the responsibility to take care of your own self. When you are healthy and happy, taking care of your family and fulfilling your role as a father will become easier. So, we’ve put together a list of lifestyle practices you must change for a successful fatherhood journey.
- Focus On Your Physical Fitness
Did you know that the poor physical fitness of a father during conception can impact the health of the unborn child? Studies have shown that a father with the health condition of high blood pressure, obesity, cancer, depression, or diabetes has 19% higher odds of having a preterm infant. It can also make pregnancy difficult for the mother.
That’s why it is important that you take good care of your physical fitness and wellbeing. If it’s not feasible to go to join a gym, you can consider working out at home. Simple cardio such as walking in the park, taking the stairs, and dancing can help you keep your physical health in check. You can also encourage the mother to join you during a simple workout for the good health of your little one.
Tip: Make sure to stay hydrated during and after a workout. It will help improve the body’s functioning and lower the risk of heat stress.
- You Got To Quit Drinking & Smoking
Consuming alcohol and smoking are unhealthy habits that need to be changed on an immediate basis. Procrastinating these will only make it challenging for you to follow a healthy lifestyle. When your child grows up, they can pick up your bad habits, which you surely do not want.
Not to mention, getting intoxicated poses numerous other risks for your family. It is not safe to drink and drive, and if you have a pregnant lady or infant with you, it adds to the danger. You can also get indulged in DUI/DWI case.
Having said that, it is essential that you protect yourself from a DUI case and take care of your family. Here’s the role of a criminal defense attorney comes in. An attorney can prepare a compelling argument to defend you and minimize the penalties.
- Improve Your Sleep Cycle
Not getting enough sleep results in irritability and anger. Additionally, it impacts the body’s ability to perform everyday tasks. It is quite natural for parents not to get enough sleep at night because babies tend to wake up at odd hours. However, you must find a way to get enough sleep and stay fresh.
For this purpose, you can consider taking small naps to stay fresh and energized. You can also create schedules for the night to take care of the baby while the other person rests well. It will ensure that you are not sleep-deprived and fully take care of the child.
- Learn Ways To Calm Your Frustration
Do you get frustrated easily? Do you often vent pent-up work frustration at home? Do you find yourself on the verge of breaking down? If you can relate to any of these situations, you must learn how to calm your frustration. This stress will eventually impact your and your family member’s mood.
Your little one may also start feeling nervous or emotional around you due to your anger, which will affect your bond. To avoid this situation, you should try yoga and meditation, as it helps keep stress at bay and boosts the mood.
- Start Showing Empathy
Finally, bear in mind that the mother is going through a rollercoaster of emotions during and after the pregnancy. It is your responsibility to be there for her and show empathy. For some fathers, it is easier said than done. If you also belong to this category, we’d suggest starting to work on expressing your emotions.
Be honest about your feelings, and do not hesitate to share them. The better you express and confront your emotions with your partner, the easier it will be for you to show your support.
Wrapping It All Up
Being a dad doesn’t just change your outlook on life and the priorities you hold; it also changes your entire lifestyle. As a result, it’s easy to get caught up living by default instead of being proactive about where your life is headed. Although this can be challenging, you don’t have to give up on all of the good in your current lifestyle when you become a parent. You need a few baby steps to shift your mindset in the right direction.
Great suggestions. I do agree that a healthy father is so important.
Yes, for sure.
I am glad my husband doesn’t smoke or drink. I know some who do and it’s such a gross habit.
He does have to work on his sleep cycle. He’s not the best sleeper.
Agreed. I hate those habits as well and I’m glad mine doesn’t do either.
I’m blessed with an amazing husband, who is an awesome father. His life definitely changed, but now that our son is older, they have a friendship that is priceless!
That’s so wonderful to hear!
When you become a dad, it can be hard to make changes. Staying healthy is an important one.
Yes, most definitely.
Showing empathy and regulating your frustration are the big ones for me. Kids will mess up all the time, and it’s our job to teach them calmly and support them.
Yes, for sure. I can see how they can become hard at times for sure.
The learn ways to calm your frustration is something a friend of mine told me her partner struggles with. Parenting is so hard and can dis regulate us as adults. I struggle with it too!
Agreed. I can see how that can be hard for many to deal with too.
Showing empathy is a huge one for me. I often put myself in someone else’s shoes if I’m struggling with something. My ex husband wasn’t empathetic at all and it was awful to deal with.
I completely agree with that as well.
I absolutely agree with this, when I get pregnant on my first baby my husband really quit smoking and drinking. He want to ensure the safety and health of our baby.
That’s so great to hear. I’m glad he quit those things.
These are indeed all very important! I would like to add to this getting on a healthy diet if you aren’t already. My husband and I don’t have kids, but when we were still undecided about whether to want to go try to conceive, one of the things my husband pointed out was that I would definitely need to stop my overeating habit if we ever had a child.
Yes, for sure! I think having a healthy habit is really important.
These are pretty good guidelines for any parent, I think!
Definitely!
Wonderful thoughts. I’d like to think that I prepared myself well physically when I found out that I’m going to be a dad.
Glad to hear that.
Great suggestions! A healthy father is key to raising children!
Agreed.
It is def an adjustment becoming a parent. It changes you for the better though!
Yes, for sure!