EXAMPLE PAGE - EBOOK - THE BLOKES BOOK - Flipbook - Page 32
29
FAMILY MAN
LIFE AS A NEW DAD
Becoming a dad will possibly be one of
the biggest events in your life. Making
the most of any time you have off work
to get to know your baby is a great way
to start your life as a dad. This is time to
begin your relationship with your child.
Make sure to attend pre natal classes
and mid wife meetings so you can share
this journey as parents together.
Be aware of paid parental leave that is
available and prepare in advance so
your employer is on board with you
taking time away from work.
As a dad, you’re going to have a huge
impact on your child’s life. Newborn
babies come into the world ready to
connect with both their parents. If you’re
going through the intense emotions – not
to mention lack of sleep – that often
come with a new baby, you might be
wondering where to start and what to do.
You might even be thinking your partner
has it all covered, and feeling unsure of
what’s left for you to do.
PARENTAL LEAVE
1. Be prepared around work and
parental leave. Parental leave can be
taken by just one parent, or if you’re both
eligible, you can split it with your partner.
Fathers or partners are also entitled to:
• one week of unpaid leave if you’ve
worked for your employer for at least an
average of 10 hours a week for six
months, or
• two weeks of unpaid leave if you’ve
worked for your employer for at least an
average of 10 hours a week for 12
months. You can take this leave
between 21 days before your baby’s due
date – or the date your partner intends to
become the primary carer – and 21 days
after. This leave is on top of any other
parental leave you’re sharing with your
partner.
2. Get involved in the daily care of
your baby – dressing, settling, playing,
bathing and nappy changing – is the
best way to build your skills and
confidence. These everyday activities
also create lots of one-on-one time with
your baby, which is the building block of
a positive relationship. Another
bonus is that it’s also good for your
baby’s other parent to have a break.
3. Learn your baby’s cues, Babies
give ‘cues’ or signals to what they need
through their behavior and body
language. By really paying attention to
your baby’s cues, over time you’ll learn
how to work out what your baby needs.
4. Connect through touch Physical
touch makes your baby feel safe and
secure and builds trust and connection
with you. This kind of bonding with
newborns also stimulates your baby’s
brain development. You could try
carrying and holding your baby as often
as you can. If you hold them to your
chest, they can hear your heartbeat.
5. Talk to your baby as often as you
can while you’re carrying or changing
your baby. For example, ‘Let’s get this
nappy changed. That feels better,
doesn’t it? Here’s a nice clean nappy.
Don’t cry – we’ll be finished soon’. Every
word baby hears helps develop his
language and learning and strengthens
your relationship with him. Telling
stories, reading books or singing songs
has the same effect.
