Help

I am a first time father and I still wake up some days and find it unbelieveable. its still kind of a shock for me and i dont know how to feel some days. Do any of you ever sit and wonder if your doing everything you can to raise your child right? I still have no clue what i am doing. Any pointers and any ideas to help take a load off of my mind about my daughter. I do know that i love her with everything in me and even with her just now 1 month old i know i would give my life to save her and would go to the end of the earth to make sure she is happy. I am just reaching out for some advise and a word of guidance from other fathers. My wife and I are wanting to get back in church also and we would love some suggestions there also. We live on the west side of indy near Avon. Thanks guys.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Enochs on September 16, 2008 at 8:57am: Joshua,

I think as fathers it is tough to know if we are doing everything for our kids and if there is anything more that we can do. My daughter is eight now and I still sit in the dark at night asking myself the same question. but after all this time I have come to the realization that if we love them with all of our heart and soul then anything we do will help them grow up to be amazing people. I still question the things I do but as long as I do them with love and know in my heart that it is for them and not against them then I am fine.

Based on what you said I think you are on the right track now. Everything your doing for her is the best I am sure. If you are looking to do something, then maybe take your daughter out for a couple hours one day and let your wife have some time for herself. It will be a great opportunity to bond with your daughter and give your wife a breather.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Asahd on September 16, 2008 at 12:26pm: This is just my opinion but spending time with your daughter is the most important thing you can do. Talking, educating, laughing... Don't believe that things or television or anything else can replace the time kids need and want to spend with their parents. Daughters need their fathers to play a huge part in their life. They are going to look at how you treat your wife and hopefully inspire them to pick a good husband for themselves because of your role model. Guide her and still let her make her own mistakes.

The things you are doing are great. Hold them while you can cause they get older and may not be so keen on hugs then. Pray for your daughter and let her hear you pray for her. This is just my opinion.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by AJ on September 16, 2008 at 1:24pm: Me and my wife have a 2 month old, and i always am worried on if she is going to be raised the "right" way. But as others have said all you can do it show her love and be there for her and set examples. Im sure it will be somewhat easier once they start talking and having conversations, but then again it may be harder too.

As far as a Church we goto Common Ground Christian Church. There website is www.cground.org; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Asahd on September 16, 2008 at 3:34pm: I recommend getting the book Why A Daughter Needs A Dad by Gregory E. Lang. It contains over 100 reasons like; A daughter needs a Dad to be the standard against which she will jusge all men.

Asahd said:
This is just my opinion but spending time with your daughter is the most important thing you can do. Talking, educating, laughing... Don't believe that things or television or anything else can replace the time kids need and want to spend with their parents. Daughters need their fathers to play a huge part in their life. They are going to look at how you treat your wife and hopefully inspire them to pick a good husband for themselves because of your role model. Guide her and still let her make her own mistakes.

The things you are doing are great. Hold them while you can cause they get older and may not be so keen on hugs then. Pray for your daughter and let her hear you pray for her. This is just my opinion.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Eric Enochs on September 16, 2008 at 4:29pm: To go along with what Asadh is saying just look at Hollywood. Most of the women like Lindsay, Brittney, Paris all grew up without fathers. Some of their dads were around but those "dads" (I use the term loosely) didn't spend the time with their kids. Now those women grow up with a understanding of what type of men they are looking for. Most of society's problems can be traced back to a fatherless home.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Joe Ingersoll on September 16, 2008 at 5:23pm: Another book recommendation..."Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters" By Meg Meeker M.D.

Also, I think I speak for most Dads when I say none of us know what we're doing, especially with the first child. You just lean on your family and friends (and other Dads on IndyDads.com) for support and advice and read as many Parenting magazines and books as you can get your hands on and apply the things that make the most sense to you to your parenting style.

Asahd said:
I recommend getting the book Why A Daughter Needs A Dad by Gregory E. Lang. It contains over 100 reasons like; A daughter needs a Dad to be the standard against which she will jusge all men.

Asahd said:
This is just my opinion but spending time with your daughter is the most important thing you can do. Talking, educating, laughing... Don't believe that things or television or anything else can replace the time kids need and want to spend with their parents. Daughters need their fathers to play a huge part in their life. They are going to look at how you treat your wife and hopefully inspire them to pick a good husband for themselves because of your role model. Guide her and still let her make her own mistakes.

The things you are doing are great. Hold them while you can cause they get older and may not be so keen on hugs then. Pray for your daughter and let her hear you pray for her. This is just my opinion.; ▶ Reply to This