A Dad's Perspective - Having a Child

I’m not a fan of change. I like things to stay the way they are. Predictable. So the idea of having a child terrified me. But I knew that most of my wife’s ideas ended up working out okay, so I went along with the program and entered into a life time of change. Fatherhood.

Up until I had a child of my own to take care of, I was never really exposed to babies. Sure I’d seen them for short periods of time every now and then but I’d never had to take care of one. You know, people should rent out their kids for a weekend to couple who are thinking about having a kid. That way the parents get a break and the couple gets to do a trial run of seeing what it’s like to have a kid. The closest I’d come to children was animals. Yeah there is no comparison.

I decided that I would put the needs of my daughter first. Once she was taken care of then I would take care of myself. You know, feed her, change her, keeper her warm, entertained etc. I quickly realized that this was a never ending job. So I adjusted my priorities. This was the hardest thing to adjust to. I now try to wake up before my daughter to get a chance to eat breakfast. I fit in chores while she is sleeping. If anything having a child has made me prioritize my life. Making sure what needs to be done is accomplished first then fitting in what I want to do if there is time.

Having a child isn’t bad, it’s just hard. By changing my outlook of life I’m able to be happy. I think having the right attitude makes all the difference. As well as understanding the difference between a need and a want. I need to take care of my daughter. I want to lie on the couch all day and read. Now I lie on the floor playing with her. Who knew compromising could be so much fun?