Becoming a father for the first time: A new adventure full of change
Congratulations! You’re about to become a father for the first time, which means a lot of changes are coming your way. Fatherhood is one of the most special experiences in your life. A new adventure full of change, challenge, and responsibilities. We tell you here what you need to know when you become a father.
Fatherhood: this is all changing in your life
With the upcoming fatherhood, a lot will change in your life. From your sleeping rhythm to the relationship with your partner, that little mini-person will soon turn everything upside down. But the great thing is, you will experience it with all the love.
Broken nights
This way, you will immediately become acquainted with the broken nights after giving birth, because your baby has to be fed and changed every few hours. Especially in the beginning, that sleep deprivation can be quite tough. Nevertheless, keep talking to each other: who picks up the baby, does the feeding, changes the diaper, and puts it back? Because with a good division of tasks you both keep it up better.
Relationship with partner
When you become a father and mother, your relationship changes. In addition to love partners, you are now also partners in crime when it comes to the care and upbringing of your baby. Of course, this new role is predominant in the very beginning. But then pick up that other role as well. After all, as a couple, you form the basis of your family.
Work-life balance
After the birth of your first child, your daily rhythm will look different. Of course because of the care for an extra life, but also because you probably work different hours. Especially in that first period, it can be a challenge to keep all those new balls in the air. Therefore, take into account each other’s wishes and limits in order to find the right balance between work and private life together.
Ensure a strong parent-child relationship
As a new father, it is important to build a strong bond with your baby from the start. That starts with pregnancy, a high involvement during this period lays a good foundation for a close parent-child relationship in the future.
However, you don’t have to do and be able to do everything to build a strong relationship with your child. You already have the most important thing at home: unconditional love for your child. By being there for your son or daughter, that good bond naturally arises.
So take the time to get to know your baby. Talk, hug, comfort, and play. Help feed it, bathe it, and give it that clean diaper. Put on a cool outfit and go out together. By being with your baby a lot, you create a loving and safe environment in which your relationship grows.
What is the average age to become a father?
The average age at which men become fathers for the first time has risen sharply in recent years. Fathers used to be a lot younger when they had their first child. Culture, geography, and personal choices play an important role here.
Average age in the Netherlands
Dutch men are now on average 32.8 years old when they become dads for the first time. They put off fatherhood until their late 20s or early 30s because they want to do other things first, such as building a career, buying a house, or taking great trips.
The perfect moment
The perfect age to become a father (fortunately) does not exist. Apart from the fact that it’s all about your personal circumstances and preferences, you often don’t have a choice. Life goes the way it goes. The perfect moment is therefore different for everyone.
Ready for fatherhood
Feeling ready for fatherhood? Not every father (and mother!) experiences such a moment. Often that feeling grows during pregnancy, and sometimes even afterwards. Whatever you feel or don’t feel, everything is ok. The most important thing is that you go for it with dedication and love when the time comes.
Becoming a father for the first time: an adventure full of fatherhood
Becoming a father for the first time is an exciting adventure, it will change your life forever. You will be faced with questions that you did not know existed. It makes you look at the world differently…and at yourself. It overwhelms you with love…and with worry. It will amaze you, challenge you, frustrate you…and bring immense joy.
