Most men and women have a certain idea of what it's like to a good father. But the truth is, adapting to parenthood is different for everyone and there's no one on right way to do so. Unfortunately, there are tons of misconceptions out there about how guys adjust to having babies. Check out a few myths aboutmen and fatherhood you need to know below:
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1. Myth: Men don't want kids as much as women do. Maybe some guys out there genuinely don't want kids, but for many couples who clash over the idea of having kids, it's simply a matter of bad timing. Research has shown that that a man's biological clock runs slower than most women, which is why many delay having kids until they're older.
2. Myth: Men's bodies don't "prep" for babies. Obviously, moms go through tons of physical and hormonal changes while pregnant. But while the chemical changes in dads' bodies may not be as extensive (or even visible to the eye), they do happens. In particular, levels of a stress hormone called cortisol tend to spike about four to six weeks after men learn they're going to be fathers, putting their brains on alert and in the right mode to get ready for baby.
3. Newborns don't really need their dads. The unparalleled connection between mom and baby (especially if they're breastfeeding) can leave some men wondering if they're even needed at all. But it's equally important for the baby to bond with both of his parents—which means mom AND dad should each spend plenty of time holding, rocking and feeding baby (if you're bottle feeding).
- Men aren't nurturing enough for babies. Dads can be just as capable a primary caregiver as moms. After all, parenting is all about learning as you go. The more time you spend with your child, the more conscious you'll be of his or her needs.
5. Men can't suffer from post-partum depression. Actually, young dads may be more vulnerable than you think. In fact, a recent study found that men who entered into fatherhood at around the age of 25 saw a 68 percent increase in depressive symptoms of their five years of sharing a home with their kids. If that's the case, it's important to address it as dads suffering from depression are less likely to regularly interact with their kids.
6. Men have to choose between work and kids. Jugging both is something both moms and dads struggle with. Dads can make for amazing stay-at-home parents if they wish. But if they continue with their career, it also won't necessarily suffer. Some studies have even found that fathers earn almost a fifth more than men who do not have children.
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