Being a great dad isn’t all fun and games – although it can be at times! However, there is an ugly side to fatherhood, and parenthood in general, that we ought to talk about. If you and your partner are considering starting a family, then take a read of this article and see if it changes your mind. While the gift of having children is wonderful, it isn’t for everyone – so it is vital that you understand the truth about what it takes to become a great father!
Providing For Your Family
Being the sole bread winner needn’t necessarily fall on your shoulders but providing both financially and emotionally for your family is all part of raising a happy child and being a great dad. This can be tough though, and sometimes it takes long hours in the office or spending your evenings trying to earn a bit of extra cash to make sure that you and your young family have everything you need to pay the bills and enjoy a good quality of life.
Most fathers find that becoming a Dad often spurs them on in their careers and sees them gain promotions and raises. However, make sure that your new role or increased workload still allows you the time to connect with your son or daughter on an emotional level as they grow up.
Aches, Pains, And Smelly Diapers
Be prepared to carry your baby around – as well as all the toys, bottles, and food you will need to have for on the go! Couple that with the piggyback rides and carrying your child on your shoulders and you might need to get used to having a few aches and pains throughout parenthood. Fortunately, these are nothing a chiropractor can’t fix, so you’ll be fine!
The nasty side of parenthood also includes mopping up sick and changing diapers – something you almost certainly won’t have been accustomed to up until this point in your life. Be wary because these tasks are just as unpleasant as they sound!
Paying For College
As your son or daughter gets older, your attention will suddenly turn to their further education and wondering how on earth you are going to find the money for their college fees. The sooner you think about this the better, as it’ll allow you more time to save for the inevitable.
Sports scholarships could provide a great deal of help – but your son or daughter will need to be competing at a very high-standard to achieve this, and if you are not much of a sports buff, then helping them along this journey won’t be all that enjoyable for you.
Nevertheless, seeing your fully grown son or daughter graduate from college is one of the most satisfying feelings in life. It can take hard work, plenty of money, dedication, and changing hundreds of smelly diapers to get there, but it is a journey that is very much worthwhile – and that’s the ugly truth about being a great dad!