Dadvice: It’s Not Personal.

Congratulations! You’ve had (or are having) a baby! Well, not YOU, your wife. But now it’s your turn to step up and take this child under your wing!! Just remember this important piece of advice and say it with me: “It’s not personal.”

This might sound weird at first, but pretty soon you’ll understand what I mean. My fellow daddies, we are the most ill-equipped people for the job of “parent”. We don’t produce milk, we’re hairy, and even if there were instructions we wouldn’t read them! So when it’s your turn for some skin-to-skin time (or skin-to-rug for some of us), don’t take it personal if your baby cries like crazy. It’s not your fault. This wonderful, new life is adjusting to its new world, and you just happen to be the most awkward person in it.

I remember crying my eyes out because I couldn’t seem to console Aria. I wanted to be SuperDad and make her feel comfort and love while also giving my wife a break, but she just kept screaming. I took it personal. Now, looking back, I can’t help but laugh at how I acted, but it was the most taxing moment of my life.

So take it from me, don’t take it personal. Relax; keep giving your little one all the love and care you can muster, because soon enough they will want you to hold them constantly.