In the first two months of my daughter’s life, the number one question I get is HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE A DAD? 


I do not have a clear-cut answer to this question.

 

I feel, just how I feel with any such situation dealing with normal tactful human beings in society, I try to give the answer people wanted to hear.  I usually fall into “Ara-mode” (not to be confused with “Àla Mode”), which is basically to say what is exactly on my mind with no regard for what other people think of me.

 

Being a new father is confusing, so my answer sounds something like this:

 

  • “It feels different, any one can have a kid, but that doesn’t really make you a dad, does it?”
  • “It feels pretty good, we definitely like her.”
  • “I’m not quite sure yet, it’s definitely a different feeling.”

 

MAN…do I get some awkward head nods and “ah-hah’s.”

I think you need a few weeks at home with your baby to find out if you have the chops to be a dad and you better answer this freakin’ question EVERYONE asks!

According to Ara there is no one set answer to how you feel as a new dad because there is a lot going on in your head:

  • You’ve just met this person, yes I love her, but I don’t really know her.
  • What am I going to do with a teenage daughter?
  • Man, I would kill for 4 continuous hours of sleep.
  • My priority is this kid right?
  • Don’t forget you still love and have to take care of Mom.
  • Am I going to be able to hang with the guys anymore?
  • I better set my Fantasy Football lineup.
  • Am I selfish to think this way?

Dads of the World: YOU ARE NOT SELFISH!!!  These are common human feelings; you have only looked out for yourself for most of your life.  Most people don’t have another human being depending on them 24/7 (I didn’t).  The feeling of fatherhood will shortly reveal itself to you, so be calm and be honest when answering, “How does it feel to be a dad?”