Boot Camp for New Dads

When my wife first told me she was pregnant with our first child I began researching for any information on 'being a new dad'. Not having many good role models in my life, I wanted to find whatever I could that might help feed my growing curiosity on what it means to be a father.

The first thing I found was that there is precious little out there for the father-to-be. I also found most of the day-to-day 'parenting' is assumed to be done by the mother since most books, websites and other information are geared towards the stay-at-home mom. For men looking for advice on how to become the best father possible resources are scarce, generally inadequate, and in American culture still quite rare.

The second thing I found in my thirst for knowledge was "Boot Camp for New Dads" on the Internet. Finally, a place where like-minded guys could share their experiences and concerns with those in the same situation and gain valuable advice on important matters such as car seats, pregnancy, delivery and expectations. "Veteran" dads talk about their experiences and workshops are hosted by "Master Coaches" and educators.

From the BCND website:

Boot Camp for New Dads is a unique father-to-father, community-based workshop that inspires and equips men of different economic levels, ages and cultures to become confidently engaged with their infants, support their mates and personally navigate their transformation into dads.

The quality and benefits of this 2 day workshop were immense and its popularity is just beginning to grow. There really is no other workshop of its kind. Out of all the classes my wife and I attended to prepare as best we could, "Daddy Boot Camp" was the most informative, enjoyable, and relevant to me as a father.

The workshop encourages and challenges new Dads to be engaged with their children, to take active responsibility in raising them, and stepping up to the plate as husband and father. At the core of this class is an issue not often mentioned in words but very much implied. It is an issue that has precipitated the title of this blog.

To redefine what it means to be a dad.

We have an opportunity to change the perception of fatherhood. As men we can be there for our children without sacrificing our career. We can provide as well as nurture. We can play and discipline and we can teach and grow during the process.

It's time for us to start listening to our kids instead of our televisions. It's time we get involved in their daily lives and influence their growth and behavior. We have a chance to do some good here and BCND is a great step in a new direction.

For any new father-to-be taking this workshop is a great first step towards changing the perception of fatherhood. It is up to us to decided what to change it to.