The important stuff  for dads; the things you need to know. We will help you be a great dad as well as a wonderful husband. Before the baby comes When you have a baby Discipline for child and dad All about toys

Before the baby comes

1. You really do not need any furniture for a new baby. You can buy stuff later when you know what you want.
2. Diaper changing tables are generally a waste of money.
3. Due dates mean very little, don’t count on them!
4. Try to meet all your delivery care providers beforehand.
5. Some activities will be harder when the baby comes. Enjoy it together while you stil can.
6. Learn how to lift your child. A 4,5 kilogram baby moving around is harder on your back than an 11 kilogram child who knows how to keep its balance.
7. If this is your first child, there is no way you can fully prepare yourself for what is about to happen. Try to relax, get some rest and don't panic.
8. You can hear the baby's heartbeat after about 20 weeks of pregnancy by placing your ear against the mother's lower belly but don’t be alarmed if you can’t. It’s a tricky thing to do, but worth a try!
9. The baby will seriously disrupt your love life. Talk about this now.
10. You should buy a car seat before the baby comes.

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When you have a baby

1. Kiss a baby's forehead to check its temperature, if it feels hot, baby has a fever.
2. Keep laundry in a well ventilated container, mildew can ruin all the baby clothes in a couple of days.
3. Don't rush walking.
4. Backpacks are great!
5. Always have an extra layer of clothes with you (for the baby that is).
6. Toilet training is easy if you wait until your kid is ready for it.
7. Kids are surprisingly portable. Don't be afraid to travel.
8. Try to enjoy each age of your child's life. It won't come around again.
9. Listen to all advice, billions have done this before you!
10. You will make mistakes. Fortunately, babies won’t tell.
11. Make sure you have some quality time off from being dad.
12. Give your kids less money and more time.
13. Don't get in the habit of lying to your kid. Shots do hurt, some medicine don’t taste good and even some food doesn’t!

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Discipline for child and dad

1. Patience is the key to everything.
2. Listen.
3. Lower your voice when you’re angry.
4. It is amazing how angry you can get at a toddler. Don't be shocked, but do control yourself.
5. Set limits that are meaningful to you and your partner. Don't worry about what others think.
6. Do not judge your parenting skills by how well your kid obeys you.
7. You and your partner will have different approaches. Try and work these out ahead of time and support each other.
8. Do not compare your kid to other kids.
9. When kids are tired they get cranky, loud and defiant. This is not the time for discipline. Just get them out of there and let them scream.

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All about toys

1. Babies don't need a thousand toys.
2. Toddlers don’t need a thousand toys either!
3. Get a few toy systems, or take them to a playground.
4. Age ranges on toy boxes are a good guide.
5. Duplos & Legos are great and a good value in play time per RM.
6. When your child is 6 months old, start reading some books to him or her. Show the pictures and colors, it’s proven to help your baby’s brain develop faster!
7. Don't expect your kid to like the toys you had as a child, kids have an instinct for new.
8. It is fine to pick toys you would like to play with too.
9. Don't start negotiating too early in the year, as in, "If you do this, Santa will bring you . . ."
10. Don't make gradual concessions, one by one: you'll find yourself with nothing left to bargain with.
11. Remember, kids may whine for an hour, but they won't run away if they don't get what they want.
12. With older kids, don't concede-- trade: "We'll get you the PlayStation, but you must buy the games." They need to learn about compromise.
13. Parents on a budget can sound inflexible. Work out a target between the most you can afford and the least you can get away with. This gives you room for manoeuvre.
14. TV and video games? Just say no.
15. Under-promise and over-deliver.

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