Inside: Becoming a dad for the first time comes with its own surprises. Uncover the five secrets from a first-time father’s perspective that new dads don’t talk about. 

First-time fatherhood is an emotional culture shock. Of course, there is joy, laughter, and wonderment. Less well documented are the feelings of jealousy, loss, anger, and despair that dads sometimes experience. These are rarely spoken about and often catch men off-guard.

Knowing what to expect can reduce worry, and unsettling feelings are easier to deal with when you know they are normal. And so, here are five things I wish I’d known before becoming a dad.

5 Surprises for Becoming a Dad for the First Time

You’re gonna be knocked off the number one spot

As an expectant dad and a conscientious man, you may already be thinking: “Baby’s needs will come first. I’m down with that.” You are right. I’m afraid, though, theory doesn’t prepare you for reality. When your darling baby arrives, you will be knocked emphatically off the number one spot. Relegated, somewhere far beyond an afterthought. Your baby and his needs will take center stage.

Mothering requires superhuman mental, emotional and cognitive powers. Every waking second (and even whilst asleep) your partner will be hyper-focused on keeping your baby alive and well. Plus, she’ll simply be more interested in him than you. To put this in perspective: she’ll be more interested in the consistency of your baby’s poo, than how your day went.

For now, relish your partner staring at you with doting eyes; be grateful when she surprises you with coffee and a bagel; savor her occasional sexy text; because soon, this will be a thing of the past. (At least for a few years, anyway.)

It’s actually very common for dads to feel jealous of their baby. After all, he now receives the care, cuddles, and attention your partner once saved for you. Don’t be surprised if you start feeling a little unloved and sorry for yourself. Try not to worry. This is natural. You’ll soon adjust. And remember, she still loves you. (She just loves your baby more!)

Related: No More Crying: Complete Baby Troubleshooting Guide

Your baby may not like you. Don’t take it personally.

I remember coming home from work, wide-eyed and excited, my heart leaping to see my baby girl. My wife would smile and place my baby into my outstretched arms….

Waaaaah!

She would promptly erupt into floods of tears. Inconsolable and impervious to my silly-dad-face and attempts at peek-a-boo, she would lean away from me, reaching for her mom. As I passed her back, my heart cried a little tear. *sniff*

Once again, dad, it’s normal, try not to worry. Your baby loves you. It’s just that she needs her mommy right now. As she develops and grows, she’ll soon adore your goofy dad antics and your beardy kisses.

Goodbye poker night. Hello early night

From now on socializing will radically change. It will all become about couples, families, and play-dates. And you can kiss goodnight to your weekly poker night. Early nights will become essential for survival. I’m afraid this is just something we dads need to come to terms with.

You need a “Dad Buddy” to complain to

Try to seek out a supportive friend, ideally another dad. You’ll have lot’s to get off your chest. It will help if you can rant at someone who knows the deal.

Related: Baby’s First Week Home: What You Really Need to Buy for a 1 Week Old

Make it your mission to look after Mom

Gender equality rocks, but it doesn’t mean that moms and dads play exactly the same roles. Your newborn needs his mom right now, and Mom needs to nurture and protect her baby. Your place isn’t at the center of this precious bonding experience, and it’s not your role to mother your child. Instead, the best way you can serve your baby is to look after Mom.

Make it your mission to run around your home checking what needs to be done. Cook dinner. Change the sheets. Do the laundry. Bring her snacks and drinks. Run a bath. Her hands and head will be completely full. So, dads, if you can keep on top of house bits whilst making sure Mom is comfortable, then, in the words of Rudyard Kipling, “you’ll be a Man, my son!”

Related: Forget the Mess! This Is the Best List of Diaper Bag Organizer Hacks

Wrapping up

New fatherhood is magical, only it often doesn’t feel that way at the time. It is an exhausting whirlwind of change. Your environment changes. Then, your social life changes. Your relationship with your partner changes. Heck, everything changes!

It is little surprise then that lots of emotions come up for new dads. Some of these feelings will be unsettling. Try to remember you are not alone. All of us dads have gone through similar stuff. What you are feeling is normal. It will likely pass.

Go on dad, you can do this!

About the Author

This post was written by Keane. Keane blogs with his wife, Neve, at WeTheParents.org where she writes about serious parenting stuff whilst he messes around testing and reviewing kids toys. (Please someone, remind him he’s a grown up.) You can also catch them on Facebook and Twitter.

PS – If you enjoyed this piece, you may also like Survival Guide for the Sleep Deprived Parent: 7 Strategies to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night.