Hey old dad, do you even remember what it was like to be a new dad? Those young parent days are so far back in my rearview mirror that I cannot actually remember what it was like. Luckily, some of you guys do recall those new dad days and offer some new dad advice to a new dad.

Advice For Young Dads From Old Dads Who Were Once Young

Posted by Life of Dad on Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Daniel Maldonado: I became a dad at 24. Being a young parent had its ups and downs. You’re better at keeping up with them, pulling late night’s, having energy to play with them after work. The down side is that you may not be in the best spot financially, but it will be okay. My oldest is now 7. I wouldn’t have changed anything. I may have missed out on many parties in my twenties but that’s okay. I partied with my little ones and Barney instead!

Mike Norman: 1) Babies aren’t made of glass so your not going to break them on accident.
2) Babies cry, most of the time there’s a reason, sometimes there isn’t.
3) Take advice but your the parent. Don’t let some busy body tell you how to parent. Specially grandparents.
4) Finally, find time to be husband and wife your not just mom and dad — you guys need time together.

Derrick Gerstmann: Honestly just follow your heart. Treat your child like you wish someone would treat you. Always know that the pain is worth it. The struggle is worth it. You won’t REALLY know until you get home from the hospital and Mom’s asleep but the baby is awake. You won’t want to wake her. She’s been so strong. So you’ll take the baby in your arms and you’ll see him. Your son. Your Love. Your Legacy. You’ll hold the entire universe in your hands. He’ll seem so fragile and so strong. All at once. And you’ll feel what real Love is.

I had a daughter when I was 16 (just before my 17th birthday.) I’ve had full custody since she was about 6 months old. Working full time. Going to high school. Being a dad. It was tough and it still is. But it is so worth it.

Benjamin Siegel: Yes…… be stronger than you ever have been before. Nap a lot. The woman needs understanding like few young dad’s can give. But sleep sleep sleep brother. It will help your family in ways nothing else can.

Mac Storey: Congratulations, man!!! I have two kiddos: 2 and 4. When I first became a dad, it was the first time I had ever had the responsibility to take care of anyone other than myself. At first, it was overwhelming. But after a while, my wife and I got into a pattern which worked well for us. We would take turn getting up with the kiddo, while the other could relax or sleep.
I feel that the key to success is working as a team. You have to both make sure that you are working together and that, when one or struggling, the other is there to support and keep things moving.

Always remain flexible. Be sure not to get into a pattern where one of you is doing a certain thing (only one of you getting up in the middle of the night, etc). There will be nights where your partner just can’t do it (this is where teamwork comes in). Just be sure that you are both doing that and that you are sharing the responsibilities.

Dan Collier: I had my boys relatively young, 24. It takes some getting used to but you change and adapt. If your patient, supportive of each other and understanding of what your partner has been through and take it upon yourself to do the things you’ve got to do, you will be fine. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or ask questions. It’s the craziest, biggest and most precious moments of your life. I am currently writing this on my children’s floor pretending to be asleep. They are 2 and 3.

Josh Bradshaw: I became a dad at 21. Your biggest hurdle ahead will likely be finances, but you’ll get there. I’m just starting to get there now, almost 25. I put my time into tough jobs doing whatever I had to do to put food on my wife’s and my daughter’s plate. Luckily, I found a great career to build with a great company and my 30’s will be full of family trips and great memories. All I can suggest to you is to remember that the tough times don’t last forever. Short term pain for a long term gain. Enjoy every second of watching your son grow up, because it happens way too fast. Other than that man, enjoy the ride!

David Muir: Basically yer done mate. Just give in now. You will soon be tormented and those tiny soft baby hands will claw your eyes out like a cats would. There will be pen or paint on the walls and furniture. There will be no sleep and no favorite TV programs anymore. When they are older kids play is full on MMA cage fighting for them and if you have a girl be prepared to wear makeup and a tutu(I’m lucky I got a boy lol)

But none of that matters. I became a dad at 38 but I wish I had done it nearer your age because it’s the best thing ever!!!

Flickr photo by The U.S. Army.