BLOGGING THE VIEW: Great quotes and advice for new dads on Father’s Day

This Sunday, 19 June is Father’s Day (you’re welcome for the reminder just in time to rustle up a present), and to prepare you for this celebration, we’ve put together some of our favourite quotes by dads, and some of the best advice for dads.

Quotes by celebrity dads about being a dad

‘Being a dad isn’t just about eating a huge bag of gummy bears as your wife gives birth. It means being comfortable with the word ‘hero’.’ – Ryan Reynolds, actor

‘Raising kids may be a thankless job but at least the pay sucks.’ – Jim Gaffigan, comedian

‘A father carries pictures where his money used to be.’ – Steve Martin, comedian

‘When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant, I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.’ – Mark Twain, writer

‘By the time a man realises that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he’s wrong.’ – Charles Wadsworth, pianist

‘Any fool can have a child. That doesn’t make you a father. It’s the courage to raise a child that makes you a father.’ – Barack Obama, former US president

Best advice for new dads this Father’s Day

If you’re about to celebrate your first Father’s Day, or are expecting, here’s a bit of advice to get you on the right track to being a great dad!

1. They’re clichés for a reason
You’ve probably just spent the better part of your income on all manner of baby gadgets, but despite the amount of stuff you need for this stage, it really doesn’t last long. Yip, it’s a cliché for a reason! So you need to really try not to get caught up too much in the mechanics of raising a child, and just enjoy the special bonding moments you get with them – even if it’s just lying and staring at your child at 2am. They really do grow up so quickly.

2. Try make notes
Yes, it is a hack and you won’t get it right every day, but if you can keep a book next to your bedside and just jot down a few highlights of the day, this is honestly something you will cherish in the years to come. You think you’re going to remember your baby’s birth weight, the first time they smiled or rolled over, but you won’t – unless you jot it down!

3. Take photos and videos
These do NOT have to be shared across every social media page, but try remember to take pictures and videos as you go along because it does fly by. Try not to get too caught up in videoing rather than living the experience, but a couple of photos or videos here and there will make a big difference in the long run.

4. Routines are important
You might be the type of person who likes to just wing it, but that just doesn’t fly when it comes to children. Structure and routine provide them with the necessary comfort and support they need from an early age. When they know what’s happening and when, it reduces unnecessary anxiety for you and the child. But remember that life happens. Some days, the routine will have to be adapted to changing circumstances and that’s completely fine!

5. You’re in this together
Sleep deprivation is no joke – there’s a reason it’s used for torture! So, you’re going to have to factor this into your lifestyle and not let it take over. That means setting some boundaries with your partner to ensure you’re not taking out your fatigue and frustration out on each other. Harsh words spoken after 2am should be disregarded, and you need to give each other some breaks and sleep time!

Happy Father’s Day!

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