For Dads to Be Fathers, What Does It Really Take?

Sure...what does this mean? We come to this world as the most precious creatures that God have given to this world. We grow and learn as we go... but what does it take to be a real Father?

Daddy is home, mom!!

Those mumbling words from a three years old, remind us that we became dads overnight. The single life ended the day your wife gave birth to your child. Waiting for you all day, and looking through the window for you to finally show up... that's the side you don't see, because you just came back from a 9 to 5 job. But let's find out what happen in the process to become a Father?

You came as the gift of our love

staring into your little eyes so grown

mom crying next to me kissing my cheek

you saw us in love and soundly fell asleep

Mommy is happy for you to come home...too!

When you both met, you made the connection and in a blink of an eye, became parents, but were you ready? Did you plan it in advance? The main point for keeping this family as solid is support and show love for your wife. 1+1=2.

Teaching by example:

If you were the soul of the party and a heavy smoker. this time was your changing opportunity to make a decision to adapt your lifestyle to what has become the second love of your life. Don't get me wrong, kids before birth are watching your every move. So, have you read to them when Mommy was pregnant? You would've done it...or maybe by reading us, you still have time, huh? Why are you texting when reading us then?

Smoking is an addiction, and whatever the kid see from you. He will want to emulate. Michael Douglas did follow his dad's steps. What we mean to say is that, no matter how silly it might sound, our kids learn from us. Do you think a child from Bristol U.K. would have the same accent as that little boy from Falls Church, Virginia?

My kid, baseball and me

running together on the field

my son believing in me

smiling and crying with me...

Healthy life for all in the family

Now, you have a family, and you are the most important part of...that nucleus cell that compounds our society. If you don't watch after yourself and of course your family...there will be problems. When you were single, Insurance was not really important. A visit to the local Pharmacist would help you with that cold. But now, your kid will be in school, eventually and will need those shots. Every other 3 to 6 months ear infections will make you leave your job with no notice, just to take your baby to E.R. It did happen to us. Why E.R.? Listen to me, and she knows it, this time your visits to the doctor will increase because you have married a woman who cares...!

Reading, will help to keep up with them...

Just think of the benefits of reading to your kids:

• Togetherness
• Self esteem
• Learning skills for life
• Trust a loving person

On a personal side, my dad used to read a lot, and I would ask questions after messing up his pages on the floor. To solve the problem, he decided to buy 3 set of encyclopedias from Grolier, Atlas and maps of the world included. Now, you see how I remember those things in my own neurones? Same way, your kids will love to spend the most time with you. You must come tired from work, but spending time with them is part of this process of becoming Parents, for life.

Be a friend, become a child in front of them.

At first your baby, will see a dad being around and all will be fine. But Nature will hint you to the next step. By the time they start running around, they will become a challenge. They say the average dad by 33 years of age, is when he/she gets the less sleep in their whole life, and makes sense. The average marriageable couple commit to themselves in mutual union, after 23 or 24 years of age. Most wait until they finish college. Now here are the numbers: from age 3 to 12, your child will accept 'you' being around them. Ever heard of some kids telling their parents,"I'd rather go to the movies with my friends now. You stay home dad, and please, don't com around."

So, how many days are in 9 years? 3,285

Take away those 8 hours/day of sleeping time: 3,285/3= 1095 days.

Do you think those 1,100 hours of quality time, are enough to spend it with your kid? Before they get their independent mind, of course. So, if you newbie dad, are reading us. Make sure you let them know that dad is there for them. Where is the mom? Kissing you and thanking you for being such a good husband, partner and almost a Father.

When do we become a Father?

Is 3 a.m. and your son, who is already 22, comes to you, all soaking wet... and for the first time he has the strength to tell you: "Father...I have become a dad. Juliann , just had our baby boy, who weighted 8 pounds, 3 1/2 ounces. His name is Michael jr. After you...dad.!

The cycle of life...gets renewed...!

Now that my hair is showing the years

now that I have accomplish my task

became a father after my son became a dad

embracing my family, jumping of joy and a good...laugh.