Parent Time

While father’s enjoy more hands on involvement than ever before, they rarely read parenting manuals or discuss child-rearing with friends. If you’re a dad, we’ll even bet it was your wife who handed this article to you. That doesn’t necessarily mean she thinks you need a parenting makeover. Maybe just a touch-up.

Being a great father requires much more than following these 10 easy steps. But consider them as signposts on your journey — when you’re feeling lost, you can refer to them to find your bearings. Make no mistake, you will be lost sometimes. If you don’t feel stupid, guilty or hopelessly inept at this fatherhood thing at least some of the time, then you don’t care enough.

1. It’s OK to hate Snuglis. You should respect and support your wife in her role as a mother, but you don’t need to use the same parenting style. You’re not Mr. Mom; you’re Mr. Dad. If you would rather face a firing squad than get down on the floor at a toddler playgroup, it doesn’t mean you can’t be an involved dad. Find an activity you’re comfortable with and spend time with your kids on your own terms. No, we don’t mean pushing your baby around in a stroller while you golf. (Admit it — you thought about that.)

Originally published in Today's Parent, June 2008