Sleep exhaustion is inevitable for new dads. Also inevitable? You'll do something really strange and dumb as a result. I'll share something hilarious and odd I just did, plus give you tips on how to limit being so tired in the first place!
In the endless pursuit of becoming a a 100% perfect dad - the guy who is always there for his kids, who supports them and nurtures them and loves them, who is doing what everyone thinks a great dad should do - it is incredibly easy to act and feel like a 0% husband. (And sometimes, that's me.)
Guys, there's a lot of pressure on us as dads. Your family will expect you to provide for your family and/or stay home with your baby. Your wife will expect you to help take care of the baby and be a good role model. And you'll also be expected to know how to put in car seats which are freaking impossible. AAHHH! Car seats!
There are bigger issues, though. Things you can absolutely ace, but if you get it wrong, there are serious, irrevocable consequences. It's three things I want you to promise to yourself right now you will not ever do as a dad.
Childbirth class is not a big, slapstick group exercise of pushing out the baby. When you hear "childbirth class," what's in your head is probably some sitcom trope of a flustered dad bobbling a plastic baby and trying to do Lamaze breathing. It's so much better than that. Here's why you should embrace it, and what to look out for when choosing a baby preparation course.
Try this scenario : Grab a piece of rope. Throw some jelly on it. Glue one end to your dog. Tie the other end to your wife and kick her in the groin. (Gotta really recreate the right mood). Now grab the rope and cut it. Did she die? Did you accidentally cut off your dog's wiener? Did you get distracted and eat the jelly?
Read more about why dads should cut the cord and answers to other new dad questions!
