Dear Mr. Dad: I’m about to become a dad for the first time. My dad died when I was young, so I didn’t have a good role model. How can I be the best father for my new baby?
A: You already took the first step—asking for advice. Here are ten more.
- Be active. If you don’t take the initiative, you’ll never be able to assume the child-rearing responsibilities you really want and your children deserve.
- Don’t assume that your partner magically knows more than you do. Whatever she knows about raising kids, she learned on the job. And the way you’re going to get better is by doing things, too. Never miss an opportunity to change a diaper or sooth your crying baby. Every interaction—especially the most mundane ones—will make you a better dad.
