Mr Perfect Dad

Congratulations! You are the proud father of young baby and want to be Mr Perfect Dad. That's an exellent ambition, but not realisti. But there's no harm in trying.


HOW TO BE A GREAT DAD 101


Get involved Your baby wants you to be a part of her life, so don't allow yourself to stay in the shadows. You are no different from any other nervous father, perhaps unsure of yourself and slightly intimidated by the prospect. To be a wonderful father means getting connected with your baby and everything she does.

Practice makes perfect Pick her up and hold her close to you, with her head resting in the crook of your arm. It's not that difficult. The more you handle her, the more confident and involved you'll become.


Play your part Your baby loves you to change, bathe, dress and feed her. Okay, so you have an L-plate on your back, but you can learn only through experience. Doing basic baby care chores like these will bring the two of you closer together.


Pat yourself on the back Tell yourself each day that you are doing a good job as her father. Reflect on at least one incident that day which you managed really well.


Help with decisions There are lots of decisions to be made about your baby every single day -for instance, her clothes or toys. Share your ideas with your wife, so that you'll feel you are a central figure in your baby's life.


There is no "right" way There are plenty of acceptable ways to meet your child's needs, not just one. Just because things might be tough for you at the moment does not mean you are doing something wrong. Try to develop a consistent approach with your wife, as this will provide stability for you baby.


Plan family outings Try to organise weekends that involve the family. It's another way to further strengthen the emotional connection between you and your baby. Try the park or an activity centre.


Delight in her progress Your baby changes and acquire new skills every day in her physical, thinking, emotional and social abilities. Your pleasure in her progress will make your baby feel good about her and you.


Make time! If you really want to be a great new dad, you have to make your baby the priority. Find the time- the other matters can always wait.