For all of the new fathers out there, or soon-to-be fathers, your life is probably hectic as all heck. Helping care for the baby and supporting your partner will take up a lot of time and energy. It is worth it, but definitely exhausting. On top of that, your other responsibilities will not got away, whether it was being the financial provider, the fix-it-guy, the protector, or in some cases the home-maker. While your wife/partner is recovering from the pregnancy and birth, you may be doing all of these and more. That all comes with supporting your partner.

With the busy world we live in, it sometimes feels like we need to be on the move and multi-task nonstop. This mean we are around our kids, but not really being present with them. What is the difference? Well, you can have your child close by and “watch” them, but being present means you are active in what they are doing and not getting distracted by other things. For instance, you are engaging with your kiddo in whatever activity they are doing and not talking on your cellphone, sending emails, playing on social media, or doing other tasks besides being with the little person you helped create. Your child will grow fast and not being present will cause you to miss out on many memorable moments. Your kids will eventually start noticing if you aren’t mentally present while in their company. Of course, you won’t capture every single thing your child does all the time, but the more present you are, the greater the memories you will have.

I understand that work and business need to get done, and inevitably, your attention will need to be in other places during certain times. However, When it’s time for you to be with your child, I implore you to make the most of it. Whether it’s watching them play, taking a nap, changing their diapers, going to the park, or whatever else they may be doing, be present, be engaged, and be the best dad possible. Your kids will eventually pick up on your actions and even mimic them, as I discussed in a previous post. Well, if your kiddo is around, go see what they are doing. Have a great day guys!