There will be times when mum needs a day out, and dad has to volunteer to stay with the child alone. Father soften stumble at this but you know what, ‘Dads play mum’s role differently’. Fathers are as nurturant as mothers. Just that their approach towards the child’s signals is different. Fathers are more likely to excite children, make them more confident and responsive. Yet they’re just as gentle, loving and caring as mothers are.
Below are some tips that will help fathers to take of their kids in the absence of mommy.
1.Prepare in advance and stick to routines
Younger children need lot more things to make themselves comfortable. Take down important points from mom about – when and how to feed the child, put him/her to sleep etc. Setting reminders will help you timely check diapers and maintain feeding and naptime schedules.
2.Do what interests your child
This is a good opportunity to know what your child likes. Often fathers stuck at this as they are not able to understand what the child wants to do. Try giving different options on what they want to eat, play and watch and get involved completely.
3.Build connection
Although younger kids make use of sounds or actions more than words, but that’s how they communicate. Just stroking and talking to the child in ways that are responsive to his/her social cues (such as crying, fussing or any other expression) makes children comfortable with you. This kind of bonding can help facilitate enhanced social, emotional, and physical development at young age.
4.Keep calm, anyway
Most children test your patience hard. Now when momma is not home, they have got more freedom to showcase their nasty side. They scribble on walls, paint on themselves, spill snacks, make mess everywhere. Just take a deep breath and laugh at the situation.
5.Have some quiet time
Telling stories, reading books or singing songs are good soothers. It gives you some quiet time together. On a wider note, every verbal exchange will familiarize the child with basic communication rules and aids in developing language.
6.You might fail
It could be that you’ve tried a hundred things to keep your child happy but he/she is reluctant to stay calm. In situation like this when you don’t understand what he/she needs, do not hesitate to seek help by calling your wife or an experienced person in reach. Remember the best way, however, is learning by doing.
7.Share responsibilities on all days
Get involved in every task related with the child. Help the mother with changing diapers, giving baths, feeding, getting your child dressed for school or checking his homework. Sharing some load will help you manage things alone when needed.
