Super dad!

How to be a super dad even before your baby is born

When dads get involved with their babies' lives, the paternal benefits are immensely positive and far-reaching. Having a supportive and caring father enables children to build self-confidence and feel less stressed. Many studies have repeatedly documented the positive effects of involved fathers.

According to research carried out at Lancaster University - examining the impact of two decades of British fatherhood from 700 UK and international reports - British children whose fathers take an active role in their upbringing and are more involved with their development are more likely to do well at school and avoid getting into trouble with the police, and also likely to achieve better GCSE results. The research team reported: 'In families where fathers offer kindness, care and warmth during primary school years, children are likely to do well at secondary school.'

And it's never too early to begin your quality paternal relationships with their babies. Start playing with your unborn baby by gently massaging the bump and talking or singing to it. Your baby can hear sounds from the outside world while still in the womb and he'll recognise your voice when he's born.
Babies interact quite differently with their mums and dads, who have different styles of parenting and bring different skills to the job of child-rearing, giving their children different views of life. Mum is naturally the primary parent, who nurtures the baby and looks after all his needs and comfort. However, babies from a month old will greet their dads with playful anticipation, raised eyebrows, bright eyes and an eagerness to play - even giggles shared with dads are distinctly different from giggles shared with mums.

How to be a super dad & model father

Get involved with your wife's or partner's pregnancy as soon as you can
Go with her to her scans, attend antenatal classes with her and be there at the birth.
Dads used to be discouraged from attending their baby's birth - the stereotype dad-to-be was portrayed pacing anxiously outside the delivery room, smoking like a chimney until the midwife held up the newborn babe behind glass for a viewing.
Today, however, it is considered unusual for fathers not to attend the birth - and those that do say it's one of the most important moments in their lives. Top footballer Michael Owen is happy to admit that watching his partner give birth was better than any goal he's scored!
Get physical with your baby
Help your wife or partner with simple and practical everyday babycare tasks - like changing nappies or bottlefeeding baby - it'll make you feel more confident as a new father. Beefy rugby hero Martin Johnson, a monster on the pitch, readily admits to being completely soppy about his daughter Molly.
Hold your baby close
Cuddle your newborn against your skin, take him into the bath with you, let him fall asleep on your chest. Instead of using the pram, carry him in a babysling when you go out, so he can see you, watch you speak and make eye contact.
Talk to your baby
Newborns quickly learn to recognise familiar voices and will respond to the sound of your voice - vital for when he's learning to talk. It doesn't matter what you say to your baby - try nursery rhymes or read him the sports pages!
Take your time learning and adapting to your new fatherhood role
You're not expected to know all the answers - fatherhood is a learning curve and it helps to be a good listener. Just go with the flow.

All you need is some patience and you will be a winning dad!

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