Family time with Daddy is one of the most important parts of your day. After all, becoming a dad is probably the hardest thing you will ever do. It’s easy to have the baby, but becoming a true ‘daddy’ takes work! Since I am not one, I leave it up to some local experts in the department to shed some light, share some truths and words of encouragement as you embark on this epic, ultimate adventure with your little bundle(s) of joy!
Lynden B. Rose, Esquire
Photo:
Featured: Lynden B. Rose, Esquire Rose Law | Attorneys & Counselors
Photo by: Jenna Duncan Photography
Location: InterContinental Hotel-Houston
What piece of advice would you give dads with kids under three?
This is the only job you will ever have where your boss is a Toddler.
How did you find balance and peace during the 0-3 phase?
The balance is this, when work day is over turn off your cell phone and computer and dedicate time to your children. To find peace during naps or when you lock yourself in the restroom for quiet time.
What is the hardest part about being the dad of a young child?
Finding balance between work, family and finding time for yourself.
What were your top 3 favorite baby products?
Pacifier, baby stroller and anything that can bounce.
What is the best way for a dad to bond with his little one?
Reading, playing games and feeding time.
What is your favorite inspirational quote?
Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it
What can you do to support someone with a young child during these rough times?
Provide guidance based on personal experience, offer to babysit or assist in any way you can so they are able to recharge their battery.
What were your LOCAL places for family time, date night or to get away when your kiddos were young?
Chuck E. Cheese, Zoo or Park
Travis Rodriguez
Photo:
Featured: Travis Rodriguez and family | KHOU Producer for Great Day Houston
Photo by: Jenna Duncan Photography
Location: InterContinental Hotel- Houston
What piece of advice would you give dads with kids ages 0-3?
Learn to take naps when you can get them (but don’t expect much rest the first 4 months!) When Keaton was a baby, we would designate particular nights that one of us would get up to take care of him each time he woke up so the other could sleep. It worked better than alternating during the same night.
Support your wife as much as possible, because she’s more exhausted and uncomfortable than you could imagine.
Take a lot of good-quality photos, especially during that first year…they get big so quickly and there are constantly milestones that can get lost in the shuffle.
Lastly, when the moments are good, they’re amazing, so savor them. When they’re unbelievably difficult, remember that one day you’ll miss it.
How did you find balance and peace during the 0-3 phase?
Still trying to accomplish this! I’m a big proponent of “stop-ed-meds.com” for both parents, so carve out a couple of hours where you or your partner can get out of the house and relax while the other takes care of the baby. And don’t forget about the things you enjoy, just rework how and when they fit into your life…for me it’s reading, hitting the gym or playing the drums.
What is the hardest part about being the dad of a young child?
Their inability to communicate with you. I know he’s upset, but I don’t know why! And I know he’s frustrated because he can’t tell me any better than he’s trying to.
What were your top 3 favorite baby products?
• When Keaton was an infant, we had a diaper monitor which would alarm any time it couldn’t detect him breathing. This really helped us to sleep instead of staring at him to make sure his stomach was moving!
• Baby night-vision camera with iPhone app
• Novelty onesies so I could dress him up as cool (nerdy?) as possible
What is the best way for a dad to bond with his little one?
It’s tough to break through the bond of a Mother and child, but when they’re young, look into their eyes as you feed them to create that closeness. For me, I love reading to Keaton and always sang songs to calm him down…skipped all the lullaby stuff and went right to Bon Jovi, George Strait and The Three Amigos soundtrack.
What is your favorite inspirational quote?
“Life moves pretty fast…if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller
What can you do to support someone with a young child during these rough times?
When we first brought Keaton home, our church set up a food train and we had lunch or dinner brought over to us 4-5 days a week for about a month. That was a life-saver! No matter what, though, they’re probably feeling overwhelmed, so even simply asking how they are or if they need to talk could work wonders.
What were your LOCAL places for family time, date night or to get away when your kiddos were young?
We love walking around our neighborhood which has a big lake, going out to Sugar Land Town Square for some beer at The Flying Saucer or wine at Vino & Vinyl, or hitting a farmer’s market for some fresh produce. I love concerts at House of Blues, movies at the Alamo Drafthouse or finding a hidden gem restaurant or dessert place, and my wife loves Woodhouse Day Spa and the Museum District.
Gregg S. Harrison
Photo:
Featured: Gregg S. Harrison, Attorney at Law P.L.L.C.
Photo by: Jenna Duncan Photography
Location: InterContinental Hotel- Houston
What piece of advice would you give dads with kids ages 0-3?
Hang in there! It gets easier! It’s a little overwhelming bringing a baby home (to say the least) – but it gets more and more fun as they get older.
How did you find balance and peace during the 0-3 phase?
I hate to say it – but there is not much peace during the first few years…. but there is nap-time! That was my favorite time of the day to get some work done — or to have some peace and quiet!
What is the hardest part about being the dad of a young child?
The hardest part of being a dad is wondering if you are doing it ‘right’! The last thing a loving parent wants is to make a mistake as you are shaping a little baby human. There aren’t any instruction manuals – so it’s basically ‘do the right thing’ – be loving, present, patient and remember to have fun.
What were your top 3 favorite baby products?
• The battery operated baby swing was a must for us – he wouldn’t fall asleep without it!
• The binky (pacifier)! There were times we couldn’t find the binky — and we had to do an emergency Target run!
• The heart-beating bear for the crib.
What is the best way for a dad to bond with his little one?
I think the best way to bond with a little baby is to just get involved with all the daily care-taking as much as you can — other than the breast-feeding of course!
What is your favorite inspirational quote?
“Any man can father a child – but it takes a lot of work and love to become a dad”
What can you do to support someone with a young child during these rough times?
It does take a village. Offer to have group play dates or babysitting one night a week so a mom or dad can have a night off. That little support can mean so much to someone who is overwhelmed and may not have family living close by to rely on.
What were your LOCAL places for family time, date night or to get away when your kiddos were young?
Just getting out to a nice quiet dinner or a movie without kids was a treat! Check your local listings! LOL
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