Getting Fathers to Help Out More at Home

A father’s effort is as essential as a mother’s when it comes to taking care of a child. How can we encourage dads to be of more help to the moms inside the home? Here are some things every mom should know about:

During Pregnancy

Some wives don’t want their husband saying, “We’re pregnant” because husbands don’t experience nausea, back pain, heartburn, and many other pregnancy discomforts. The truth is that this statement may actually be helpful for you and your husband. After all, your husband is the one by your side as you go through your pregnancy journey. Most likely, he is also the one at the receiving end of your mood swings and urgent cravings.

So give your hubby a break, and invite him to join your pregnancy world. Involve him in everything: from the first check-up, down to choosing what kind of crib, strollers and other things you need.

 Explain the changes you’re going through to him thoroughly. If that doesn’t work, have your OB explain it to him in simpler terms. Your husband is as excited as you are to welcome your new pair of chubby cheeks. If you feel nervous on how you will raise a human mind, he also feels the same way.

Don’t forget to reassure him that he will be a great father to your child. This can give him an incentive to do more than he did before when it comes to making efforts.

Afterbirth

As you have survived pregnancy, you too will survive the “afterbirth” stage. This phase needs both of your efforts. Have a schedule where both of you can function properly and efficiently.

If this is your first child, this means that a lot of grace from each other is required. For example, don’t despise your husband because he forgot to put baby powder on your baby’s butt cheeks before he put the diaper.

During this stage, it is important to be specific with your husband. If needed, prepare written instructions in the nursery room. This way ensures that what he does is as close as to what you normally do. Make sure to thank your husband for everything he does for you, and make him feel valued. It never hurts to appreciate his efforts.

Growing Years

This stage seems easier for the both of you since you’ve got this routine going on. Like your pregnancy months, have your husband participate in everything. Except this time, he won’t need an OB to explain things to him.

Reference

http://www.parentingweekly.com/parenting_information/getting_father_to_help_more_with_baby.htm

A Victim of Mom Shaming? How to Handle It With Class by Lei Dimarucut-Sison, Source: https://www.smartparenting.com.ph/parenting/real-parenting/how-to-handle-mom-shaming-with-class-a00061-20190524

5 Types of Mom-Shaming—and How to Shut Them Down by Charlotte Hilton Andersen, Source: https://www.rd.com/advice/parenting/mom-shaming