There are many books, articles, blog posts, and experts out there, all of which can provide a wealth of knowledge. However, there are some things you won’t fully grasp without experience, whether it’s your own, or someone else’s. The question is: should you take advice from other dads? Yes, you absolutely should. Experienced fathers can provide a wealth of knowledge and advice. That being said, you don’t have to take their advice as gospel or follow it to a T.

Every dad out there has been through different circumstances, and these can vary based on each child, where they live, what their environment is like, and other factors, too. Therefore, what worked for one family may not be ideal for others.

Here are some good ways to approach it:

1. Listen to their advice without feeling obligated to follow it. Follow what you feel will be useful and reject the rest. Take in the information and decipher for yourself what is relevant. Feel free to research certain things that you have further questions about.
2. Look at their actions, don’t just hear their words. I’m not saying people are perfect, but I would suggest you follow the advice of people who walk their talk and actually live by the advice they preach, if you agree with it.
3. Remember the old phrase: there is more than one way to skin a cat. Parenting is not always universal, so be wary of advice that suggests there is only one way to go. And definitely don’t skin any cats.
4. As you take in advice from others, grow from your own experience too. You will know your child better than anybody.
5. Communicate with your partner too and see how they feel about the advice you give. You are building a family together so everyone should be on the same page as much as possible.

This may sound like a strange post since I also provide advice. However, I have always expressed to not just take what I say as gospel either. I’m here to provide whatever guidance I can from personal experience. If you disagree with anything I say, that’s totally fine, as well.