4 ways to Empower a New dad
Whenever my entire family is out, I’ll inevitably be told, “Wow, you’re lucky! Your husband is helpful!” And if I leave my three children with my husband, I’m told that he’s so brave. Why do we, as a society, expect so little from fathers? Why am I told that I “have my hands full,” while he is praised?
Instead of patronizing dads, applauding them every time they parent their children, let’s empower them. Here are some tips in order to help dad feel confident from the beginning.
Limit Gatekeeping
Maternal gatekeeping is when a mother’s protective instincts cause her to restrict other people from parenting or caring for a child. As a birth parent or primary caregiver, it’s normal to feel like you know your child the best. But by gatekeeping, you might be preventing your partner (and others) from learning how to take care of your child.
Leave them alone
As soon as possible, leave dad alone with the baby. Go get some coffee, walk around a store, read a book. And, avoid giving them tons of directions and rules. Write down the last time the baby ate, slept, and had a diaper change then take off.
Let them figure it out their way
Your partner will definitely do things differently, but that isn’t always a bad thing. And criticizing a new dad will make them feel bad and not want to try. A backwards diaper? A dirty outfit? No tummy time? As long as your baby is safe, don’t comment.
help them have rituals
When my first son was born, I’d take off for most of Sunday. My son napped on my husband most of the day while my husband watched football. It was a win for everyone: I could get a break and run errands, and my son and husband could bond. Now, they still hang out on Sunday, watching sports or going to the park. Encourage your partner to create a special ritual with your baby.
Do you have any other tips for empowering a new dad? DM me and let me know. You can also help dad by setting up a prenatal meeting and giving him evidence-based information about having a newborn.
Hi! I'm Gigi; I'm a postpartum doula, mother to three toddlers, including twins, and a wife to my high school sweetheart. I’m a #swiftie who loves cheesy novels.
As a former teacher, I bring realistic, evidence-based, and actionable advice (and LOTS of handouts.) I help families get all the tools they need to prepare, so once baby arrives, they can focus on resting and bonding instead of researching or stressing. I’m here to streamline the newborn learning curve and help birth parents, partners, and other family members. There isn’t ONE way to have and raise a little human. I’m here to guide parents to find THEIR way so that they can thrive in the fourth trimester and beyond.
Ready to learn how to create an actionable postpartum plan?
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Then learn about my prenatal planning services here!
