Navigating the Eight Month of Fatherhood

Welcome to the eighth month, Dads! Now, who’s really in charge? Hint: It’s probably the one with the gummy smile. This month, let’s explore how our tiny bosses set the schedule, rediscover ourselves, and continue our unwavering support for our partners.

Month eight is about embracing the chaos with a smile, rediscovering yourself, and maintaining a solid partnership. Remember, you’re doing a fantastic job through all the ups and downs. Keep it up, Dad!

Baby’s Command Center

Crawling Commando: If they’re not crawling already, get ready for some rapid movements. Your living room is now an obstacle course.

Once your baby gets mobile, they’ll want to go everywhere and do everything. They’ve never seen anything before! They are curious and will want to touch, smell, hear, and taste everything too. (Yup, the mouth is the gateway for knowledge to them. I’m not lying when I say EVERYTHING will be licked, sucked, or chewed on at one point or another.) 

This is an excellent time for securing gates, baby-proof cupboards, and steps. You’ll probably want to form a habit of checking out the baby-proofed items in your house at least once a day. And also, be prepared for your little Houdini to figure out a way around the baby-proofing. 

Seriously, there are stories, not tall tales, of babies who walk figuring out how to open gates. 

They are magicians and super bright. 

Sleep Schedule Overhaul: Just when you thought you had it figured out, your baby decides to mix things up. Welcome to the land of unpredictability!

(Try this if it aligns with your parenting style, and always check with your pediatrician.)

This is where your patience and resilience are tested daily. Sometimes, by the minute. You are going to have to stay strong. They will cry, whine, and give you the most giant baby eyes imaginable. 

Don’t fall for it! 

Keep strong and still give them lots of hugs. Tell them you love them when you’re frustrated or crying. But be strong. Giving hugs and telling them you love them is one thing. They are going through a tough spot; they’ve learned when they cry, you come running, it’s what they are used to—but it can’t be that way forever. 

Being the parent who teaches their child to cry through some stuff allows them to learn how to self-soothe, something that is important to be a healthy adult, but it’s going to feel worse than the worst diaper blowout you’ve had, ever. 

The important thing about unpredictability is to maintain your course. Keep naptime at naptime, bedtime at bedtime, and so on. They might miss a nap or two, but laying in their crib briefly is good practice to wind down and unplug from overstimulation.

Of course, this is always easier said than done, and I’m writing on a laptop in my home office, not listening to your child cry. 

Just know you’re doing a great job. Keep it up, listen to your gut; if you can’t stay the main course, it’s okay—you’ll figure it out.  

Chatterbox: Expect a lot of babbling. They might not be words yet, but it’s their way of having a one-sided debate. 

Listening to the Lil’ One chatter will give you a lot of smiles and laughs. The stories they tell and the descriptions of their day will make no more sense to you than if you were reading a foreign language backward. 

However, answering them in positive voices and cooing back to them encourages them to keep going, which will inspire more conversations, and sooner rather than later, words start to form!

Rediscovering Dad

In the whirlwind of fatherhood, it’s easy to forget the person you were before the baby. Whether it’s a weekly game night, hitting the gym, or just reading a book, these activities are crucial for your well-being. They help maintain your sense of self and provide a much-needed break from the demands of parenting. Balancing dad duties with personal interests isn’t just beneficial for you; it sets a healthy example for your growing family.

Who Are You Again?: Remember, you’re not just a diaper-changing, lullaby-singing dad machine. Reconnect with your hobbies and interests. It’s important for your identity and sanity.

While it’s too early to think about the future, except for college funds, know that just because you’re a dad doesn’t mean you’re only a dad. If you don’t have hobbies, now’s a great time to find one or try something you’ve always wanted to do. 

Learning new things and stepping out of your comfort zone beyond parenting is a fantastic way to challenge yourself and prove that what you are doing is good. If you already have a ton of hobbies, then get back to them! Pick one to start with and work inside your baby-tight schedule. 

Finding the Balance: Yes, your baby sets the pace, but find time for yourself, too. It’s not selfish; it’s necessary.

There are seven days a week, which you know, but may not remember because your baby-hazed brain no longer recognizes time. This is the perfect opportunity to bring a schedule back into your world. 

Some people don’t like the word’ routine,’ but you can call it what you’d like. Take one night or at least two hours for yourself once a week. Do your hobbies or some activity. Then, let your partner have that same time. And for a third night, do something with you, your baby, and your partner. 

If you decide routines aren’t for you, schedule time for yourself, your partner, and memorable time with the three of you. 

But, then leave the rest of the day as a melee, and maybe that can help balance out the discomfort of falling in line with a routine. 

Partner Support: Tag-Teaming Parenthood

Your relationship with your partner is the foundation of your family. It’s essential to nurture this bond amidst the chaos of parenting. Regularly check in with each other, not just about parenting but also about personal feelings and needs. Remember, parenting is a team sport; supporting each other strengthens you. Shared laughter, struggles, and joys make this journey special and endearing.

The Other Half: Your partner is also adapting to this rollercoaster. Keep the communication lines open and support each other.

Schedule time for a weekly discussion, preferably not at bedtime but after the baby goes to bed, to talk about what’s on the other’s mind. Validate each other’s feelings because chances are, you’re feeling the same things, then come up with solutions to helping each other make it through the rockier sensations.  

On the flip side, find things to celebrate. What is something your partner accomplished this week with or without the baby? What is something that brings you pride? 

Communication isn’t just about the ‘bad’ feelings; it’s also about sharing in the good parts of life. 

Shared Experiences: Find activities that you both enjoy, with or without the baby (if possible). Keeping the relationship spark alive is vital to a happy family.

If you or your partner (or both!) research what is happening in your area, you may find some fun, free stuff to do that you both enjoy. 

Community parks and towns usually have some celebration at least once a month. Parks have hiking trails, and the list goes on.

Pro Tips

• Baby-Proofing Reloaded: As your baby becomes more mobile, reassess your baby-proofing measures.

• Encourage Independence: Give your baby a safe space to explore and learn.

• Stay Healthy: Physical and mental health is vital – for you, your baby, and your partner.

This Week’s Dad Joke:

Why did the baby refuse to play cards with the jungle animals?

Because they were all cheetahs! Just like how your baby cheats you out of sleep!

Month eight is about embracing the chaos with a smile, rediscovering yourself, and maintaining a strong partnership. Remember, you're doing a fantastic job through all the ups and downs. Keep it up, Dad!

Further reading: It’s all about balance

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Disclaimer
_{Always check with your partner and or pediatrician before implementing any new practices that involve your children. The information provided is meant for educational purposes. Please do your own research as I have provided my own thoughts, experience, and perspectives on the matter at hand.}