What kind of a dad will I be?  

what was your own father like?.....

Your own childhood and relationship that you had with your dad  for better or worse, forms the basis forthe relationship you will have with your own children. A stepfather,  or other male figure can have a positive impact, but for most, the legacy of their fathers is where they start. In all cases, it is something to build on. Experiences differ dramatically,some dads were great; some were not:and some were not there at all.

Generally, our own fathers were excluded from the delivery room, many thenwaited a week to take mum and baby home, and rarely changed a nappy. The Mother-in-law came to help out (or take over), dad returned to work with celebratory cigars, and he commenced in a parenting role confined to pay checks, discipline, and playing catch. Many kids were left with the feeling that something was missing. 

The roles of breadwinner/disciplinarian were thankless tasks and a recipe for distant relationships and sometimes disengagement. Many new dads talk of their desire to be there for their children and to establish an emotional bond that was missing in relationships with their own fathers. Some new dads aspire to be as good as their own dads, who despite career requirements, took them camping or fishing, played ball, read to them or just talked. For some just knowing that their dad cared seemed to count the most.

It is clear that for some of todays dad's that the more they missed out as children, the more passion they bring to this job called fatherhood.The changes too in our society  have opened up broad opportunities for real relationships between fathers and children, and today’s dads are delighted they can openly hug their children, listen to their problems, protect them, help them grow, and help them take on the challenges they will face in life. Little can compare to your baby falling asleep in your arms, comforting a daughter scared by a nightmare, or a son's delight over knocking down the block tower you built. No matter what happens in the rest of one's life, a dad can always be special to his children. (You will have to trust us on this one also.)

The message to dad's is very clear ; get involved from the beginning; support mum as much as possible, no matter the circumstances; and be patient with your baby, your mate, and yourself. These are truly words of wisdom for any man wanting a solid start on the road to becoming a dad.