Raising Violet – The Daddy Diaries

5 Things You Can Expect to Learn the First Year of Fatherhood

By: Anthony Hayes

Are you scared of what challenges you will encounter the first year of being a Dad? Are you worried that you won’t be any good at parenting? I was terrified. Before Violet got here I was oozing with anticipation and excitement. I just wanted so badly to meet her.

When she came I was relieved and sense of well being washed over me. I did however feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility, more so than I’ve ever felt before. The lessons you learn the first year as a Father will teach you more about yourself AND your capabilities than you’ve ever dreamed of.

Here are the 5 things you can expect to learn this year:

1. Change – Every aspect of your life is going to change. Schedules, routines, meals, nothing is off limits. It is the adaptability to your new lifestyle that will allow you to embrace these changes and keep on flowing.
2. Patience – It will be tested time and time again, and you will learn to have it if you do not already. If you are a patient person you will be pushed to the limit. At times it will be overwhelming. All of these things however will make you a more charismatic, and loving father in the end.
3. Financial Responsibility – Although I am fairly good with money, I am a recovering impulse shopper. Add the word “frugal” to your vocabulary and use it well. It sounds better than cheap but goes hand & hand. If you eat out once a week, make it once a month. If you drink coffee like me, sorry but no more *bucks. Buckle down and cut back where you can. Dunkin’ is okay every now and again. But, don’t carry cash (I find it helps). Read more on managing your finances here.
4. Prioritization – Pick and choose your battles and plan your attack. All responsibilities will get accomplished if you do them in the correct sequence. First, comes safety and security of your child and spouse. Next,
5. Selflessness – Whatever word supersedes Selfless, that is what you will become. This skill you can not prepare yourself for as everyone’s life is unique. Eating YOUR meal, taking YOUR shower, and sleeping will all have to wait. After the kiddo is full, clean, and all snuggled in you can do all this but not before. If you are under the impression that you know the meaning of sacrifice, you will be amazed at how you are willing to go above and beyond. Learn how to get the most out of the time that is left for Oneself.

While you will experience a plethora of additional lessons the first year as a dad, these are the first few. It will ultimately come down to your circumstances, what you learn and how you will apply this new found knowledge. Looking back, while you plan your little ones first birthday, you’ll realized how great of a parent you’ve truly become. This is going to be an awesome year! 

“Control the controllable, as for the rest Keep on flowing…Just be.”

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