Forming a Bond

Form a bond with your child early. Take the time to listen, love and talk to your baby and help your wife when she needs it. Even though it may not seem like much is happening with that little baby when you are around, the baby does recognize your voice and feels the protection you bring.

According to parenting expert Armin A. Brott, host of a national weekly radio talk show called “Positive Parenting,” the first month is a critical time for the father to bond with his child. “The baby isn’t really doing much and is non-responsive, but there are windows where you can start building the relationship,” Brott says. “If you wait too long, you’re going to feel like you need to play catch-up as the mom/baby relationship—especially if she’s nursing—is going to develop quite quickly and that will be a tight bond. By getting in early, you begin to build your own relationship.”

You may not realize it, but you are bonding with your child when you hold the baby, read to the baby or sing to the baby. In any way you spend time with your child, you will be forming a bond that will last his or her lifetime.

DID YOU KNOW? 90% of all professional athletes leave their teams to be at the birth of their child, and many take a few extra days off so they can start the bonding process in the first week? Major league baseball player Shea Hillenbrand missed a playoff game to be with his child.