Chill, New Dads. It’s going to be fine

For all the new dads and the soon-to-be new dads.

Chill.

Really… stop panicking.

A couple of years ago, I joined a few Facebook groups dedicated to new fathers. While some groups were better than others, all had a culture of support and a willingness to give good advice.

Another thing all of those groups had in common was that nearly every day there was a new member all in a tizzy about becoming a dad for the first time. I was no different.

I am now well into my third year of being a parent. I still participate in those groups, and every now and then I take a turn at talking a dad-to-be out of their panic mode.

It often goes like this:

Hi. I’m here to tell you that it’s going to be okay.

It’s amazing how much common sense will guide you. Instinct, too. And going with your gut.

Easy peasy.

For most of you, you’ll be starting out in a hospital and there are going to be loads of people there to show you the basics and answer questions. There will be health checks a’plenty. By the end of the…