8 Thoughtful Ways to Support Your Partner as a New Dad

|


6 minute read

Becoming a parent is one of the hardest things you may ever do. And while there’s a TON of support out there for new moms… Dads are often left to step into their new role on their own. 

This can be so hard for new dads! 

And the truth is — they may need some help along the way. 

So this Father’s Day, we want to show our partners a little extra love. With these thoughtful tips, you’ll be an amazing support to your partner on this special holiday — and all throughout the year!

  1. Ask Dad for Help 

It can be easy to take on all the responsibilities that come with caring for your baby… All the feedings, rocking them to sleep, and changing their diaper time and time again…

And while you can absolutely handle all these tasks and responsibilities on your own, the good news is… you don’t have to! 

You have an incredible partner that you can lean on for support. Ask them for help!

It’s likely that your partner wants to be there for you as much as they can. But sometimes Dad may not know how to step in to help take care of your child. 

Ask them to help you with a specific task — like changing your baby’s diaper, making them a new bottle, or getting their nursery ready for bedtime. 

Or see if they’ll help you check off one of the items on your to-do list — like assembling the new bouncer, finding developmentally appropriate toys, or looking into sleep-training methods. 

You can also ask Dad to help out with some of the household chores you haven’t been able to get around to… Like cleaning the bathroom, folding laundry, or doing this month’s budget. 

Communicating your needs will help your partner feel included in the early days of caring for your little one. Plus, getting through these tasks will give you both more time to spend with your baby and each other!

  1. Encourage Dad to Bond with Baby in His Own Way

Did you know… Babies that get skin-to-skin from dad, cry less, fall asleep sooner and are less agitated overall. 

Dads are pretty amazing!

As the birthing parent, you’ll likely spend a ton of time with your baby — cuddling them while they eat, holding them while they sleep, smiling at them and talking to them when they wake up.  

But for Dad, it may take a little while to connect with your little one. 

Your partner may jump right into co-parenting — spending quality time with your baby that fosters their own unique relationship. But it can also be helpful to suggest ways that they can spend time with the baby. 

This could look like rocking your child to sleep at night. Taking over bath time duty. Doing tummy time with your little one while you prepare dinner. Or taking your child for a stroller walk while you take a much needed shower.  

And as your child gets older, playtime with dad is such an amazing — and fun! — bonding opportunity that builds independence, creative play and problem solving. 

Wrestling, playing chase, exploring at the park, or going for a walk, run, or bike ride are all great ways your children can spend quality time with their Dad. 

  1. Let Dad be the Hero

It’s normal for your natural parenting instincts to kick in as you care for your little one. But there may be times when you don’t know what to do… When you’re so sleep deprived that you can’t think straight. Or your tried and true tricks just don’t come through. 

When you feel like you’re at your wits end — it’s ok to let dad swoop in and save the day. Or at least try!

He may have the perfect way to rock your baby to sleep. Or be able to make your little one laugh when they’ve been crying all day. 

This will make your partner feel valued and included — and will give you a much needed break too!

  1. Let Dad Take a Break

Being an active parent is one of the most tiring jobs out there. Whether it’s sleep training, potty training, teaching your little ones their ABC’s or getting them to finish their dinner…caring for newborns, toddlers, and young kiddos can be exhausting! 

Parenting is a 24/7 job that doesn’t come with vacation days (unless grandma and grandpa live nearby!). And it’s easy to get burnt out! 

Whether your partner is the primary breadwinner or primary caregiver — they would probably love a break. 

Let Dad unwind by putting the kids down for bed so that he can hang out with a friend. Or try making your partner their favorite meal on a night when they usually do the cooking. 

Encourage Dad to take a break to go to the gym. To work in the yard. To relax at their favorite coffee shop and read. Whatever would bring them joy and give them a much-needed breather. 

And it doesn’t have to be a super long break! Even an hour may be really meaningful to your partner and allow them to feel more refreshed and able to give back to the family. 

  1. Let Dad Take the Lead 

Even if you’re on the same page with most things… Becoming parents can strain even the strongest relationships. That’s because raising children comes with a million tiny decisions. 

Do you use a swaddle or a sleep sack? Do you use purees or baby led weaning? When do you transition your little one to a big kid bed? 

And you may each have different ideas of doing things. 

It’s natural to feel like the close bond that you have with your baby means that you always know what’s best. But this can cause tension and stress if your partner doesn’t get to contribute to making decisions or feels like their voice is not heard.  

Even if his ideas are different from yours… Or he tries something you think won’t work… It’s ok to let your partner take the lead with certain things. 

This will build your trust in your partner. And over time, it will become easier and easier to lean on your partner.

  1. Take Care of Dad’s Mental Health

Did you know that one in 10 dads get postpartum depression? Whether you have one, two, or more little ones — raising kids can be really stressful at times. And this can take a toll on your mental health. 

If your partner is a verbal processor, you probably know exactly how he may be struggling. This will help you to know how you can support them — especially if you all are going through an especially tough time. 

But if Dad has a harder time expressing his feelings. It’s important to check in on your partner on a regular basis. 

Ask them how they’re doing. If anything is feeling challenging or hard. If they need help in any way. 

And if your partner has a hard time opening up — it may be helpful for them to talk to a therapist. Counseling may be the safe place your partner needs to start expressing their emotions so that they can share their feelings more freely with you. 

  1. Take Time for the Two of You

Between working, taking care of the kids, and keeping up with your home, family and friends… It’s totally normal to feel so exhausted and wiped out at the end of the day. 

You may not have the energy to do anything other than turn on your favorite show or slip into bed early. And that’s ok! You need your rest to conquer what’s waiting for you in the morning. 

Caring for your kiddos makes it hard to care for yourself. And sometimes even harder to care for your relationship! 

And while it can be challenging… It’s important to connect with your partner on a regular basis. 

Curl up on the couch together and debrief about your day. Take a bath together. Go out for a date night. Share funny stories, watch your favorite Instagram videos, or look at cute pictures of your kids. 

And even if you don’t have the time or energy to be physically intimate, try to hold hands or share a hug when you can. Studies have shown that touch substantially improves both physical and mental wellbeing and can even reduce pain, anxiety, depression, and stress.

  1. Remember…Father’s Day isn’t Just One Day a Year

You can show dad how much you care about him and appreciate all his efforts all throughout the year!

Go big with breakfast in bed, a day-date, or a special night away from the kiddos…

Or maybe surprise him with an unexpected gift, a special meal that he loves, or a hand-written love note… 

These are all amazing ways to give Dad a little extra love from time to time. 

But if you’re swamped and exhausted, a simple “Thank you,” an extra-long hug, or cuddle before you both go to bed can go a long way. 

Your extra efforts will make Dad feel loved and supported — giving him that extra boost to get through the hard days. 

If You Liked These 8 Easy Ways Mom Can Support a New Dad, You May Enjoy These Posts Too:

We’d love to be a part of your journey! 

Boutique Website: https://babies-in-bloom.myshopify.com/ 

Boutique Address: 127 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084

Boutique Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm (We are closed on Sunday.)

Similar Posts