Being a new father is one of the most exciting experiences you will ever have. But with this new experience also comes some changes. If you know what to expect after becoming a new father, you can embrace these changes rather than fear them.

1. Crying isn’t always a sign that something is wrong. Babies are going to cry for many reasons. They are hungry. They need changing. They are tired. But there will be times when your newborn will just cry. You might think it is simply to annoy you, but it’s just in their nature to cry a lot. Don’t freak out if you can’t get your baby to stop crying sometimes. It’s one of those things you’ll just have to get used to.

2. Changing diapers isn’t that bad. Many new dads shy away from the poopy or the wet diaper, but your apprehensions are not warranted. Sure, they may stink and seem gross. But changing your baby’s diaper is, believe it or not, a way for you to bond with your new baby. Jump in there and do it instead of always passing off that glorious job to the new mom.

3. Your sleep schedule is going to change for awhile. For the first few months, you and the baby’s mom probably aren’t going to sleep much. The baby will probably wake up crying a few times every night. But this isn’t going to last forever. If you both take turns getting up with the baby, it will help each of you get a little more rest. But after awhile, you won’t even remember that you only got a combined total of 12 hours of sleep during your baby’s first four months.

4. The mom is going to be hormonal. This is just a fact of life during and after the pregnancy. If she says something bad about you, your family or anyone else you like, don’t take it personally. Just smile and continue on about your life. She probably doesn’t mean it (or at least she doesn’t mean to say it).

Keep these things in mind when you bring home that new bundle of joy. It will help you get closer to your new baby and be the best dad that you can be.

With childhood obesity at record proportions, it’s important to help your child stay a healthy weight. If you start them early, they will learn eating habits that will be beneficial to them throughout their childhood, adolescence and into adulthood. Here are three ways that you can help your child maintain a healthy weight and stay in shape yourself, too.

1.  Turn off the TV. Did you know that the average child between the ages of 8 and 18 will spend four hours in front of the TV each day? Four hours may not seem like a lot, but when you consider that they are sitting in class for six or seven hours a day and then adding in the TV time, that means they are simply sitting around for the better part of their day. There are so many things your child can be doing besides just sitting in front of the TV screen. And the worst part is that this is when many children consume the most calories in their day because they are “munching mindlessly” while being completely inactive. Limit your child’s TV time to an hour or two each day to help them lead a healthier lifestyle.

2.  Encourage physical exercise. Exercise doesn’t have to be sit-ups, pushups, and lifting weights. Exercise can mean       taking walks together, going for a bike ride together or playing a sport like racquetball. Either way, encourage your child to get outside and do something other than sit around playing video games. Help them find a sport or activity they enjoy doing which will get them moving. Once they find something they enjoy doing, do it with them. They will get the exercise they need and you’ll also get some good quality time together.

3. Be a good example. As fathers, we tend to have the attitude that we can eat what we want and do what we want. But our children are going to model our behavior. If we can’t tear ourselves away from the TV, how can we expect them to do it? Be an example by being active yourself and eating better. Not only will it benefit your children, but it will help you stay healthier so you can be around longer.

Maintaining a healthy weight gets more difficult the older you get. And if you don’t have good eating habits now, it’s going to be more challenging to develop those healthy habits. That’s why it is essential to start your children on the right path as early as possible so they can develop good habits that will last them a lifetime.

Halloween is one of the most popular holidays for children, but many dads enjoy it as well. Seeing your child dressed up as the latest pop culture icon or in a classic Dracula or Cinderella costume makes it worthwhile to take them around the neighborhood asking for candy. But staying safe is the main priority for optimal fun and enjoyment. Here are four things you can do to help keep your child safe on Halloween.

1.  Make sure you have a light source. Going door to door after dark on Halloween is what it’s all about. But to stay safe, you should have a quality flashlight or LED lights to light your trail and make you visible to drivers. Replace the batteries in your light source before leaving for the night and bring along some extra batteries as a precaution

2.  Steer away from weapons. There are many costumes that children choose which involve fake weapons. If your child wants to be a pirate, a warrior or even a witch that carries a wand, take extra precautions. Make sure the weapons do not have pointed tips which can cause injury to other kids and make sure they are flexible as well. Also, make sure the weapons are bendable. If your child suddenly wants to “stab” someone with their pretend sword or other weapon, it should bend upon contact so it does not hurt anybody.

3. Check the candy. It may sound cliché to check your child’s Halloween candy before letting them eat it, but it never hurts to do so. Although it is unlikely that someone in your neighborhood has put something in the candy that they are passing out, there are still choking hazards, allergies and other things to think about.

4. Opt for face paint instead of masks. It may be easier to put on a mask for Halloween, but they can limit your child’s vision significantly. Face paint allows your child full vision so they can see where they are walking.

These are just a few things dads can do to keep your child safe on Halloween. By taking some extra precautions, the entire evening can be a great enjoyment.

We as dads are kinda like superheroes to our kids, I mean we’re not scared of anything or never get rattled, at least not in front of them. Today I started jury duty so this morning so that meant my baby girl was going to have to ride the bus home this afternoon by herself I was so worried, which something she haven’t done because I’ve took her to school and picked her up all year. Last year when she was in kindergarten she had my oldest sister riding with her.

Today I’m sitting in the room with the other jurors just checking my phone, you know I’m worried but let’s add this is the first time I have ever been selected to be a juror. Well today we were released around 10:35 or 10:40 and after I got home I told my wife that I’m going to call the school and just tell them I would pick her up. But she told not to do it because we want to see how she do riding the bus just in case she have to do it again. So I didn’t let her know but once again I’m worried and upset but she did have a point so I let it be.

Well I’m in the living room waiting for her bus with the blinds open knowing her bus comes around 2:51 so around 2:45 I seen a bus zoom by the house and I go throwing on my shoes real quick and about to chase the bus then before leaving I ask more wife what number is her bus again, she told me. Well the bus that rode by and it was 1 number different than the one she’s riding. So sigh of relief and I’m relaxing again momentarily watching ESPN. Then I see the clock is around 2:55 and now I’m like what is going on and where is she but I’m staying calm so around 2:58 I see her getting off the bus, smiling also. She comes in the house and says she had fun and loved it.

Guys it’s that time of year again! The Holiday countdown has officially started! Women seem to stress way too much during the holidays!! And we all know what that means as husbands!  I keep seeing the mom bloggers posting tips for each other so i thought I’d join in the fun and make a list for us guys! Here is my 10 Holiday planning tips to help your wife relax and enjoy the Holiday season.

1. Don’t stress! I see so many people that stress out during the holidays. Holidays are meant to be enjoyable. Having a plan of action during the busy season allows you to enjoy it more

2. Delegate! Don’t let your wife do everything herself. If you have a big Holiday dinner and parties make everyone bring a dish. I used to watch my wife cook everything. Not anymore! She was spending all day in the kitchen and by the time our guest arrived she was too tired to even enjoy them

3. Create a budget and stick to it! Don’t overspend! We create a budget each year. We make sure all the kids in the family have a gift. If we have extra we start going down the list starting with Grandparents. Adults know times are hard!

4. Send Christmas cards! We personally love sending out personalized photo cards.

This is something that doesn’t get trashed like regular cards. You can find a big selection at www.storkie.com , This allows you to show your distant family and friends you are thinking of them the holiday season. Another great idea is to send holiday boutiques from a flower delivery service that allows you to add greeting cards also.

5. Declutter! Right before the Holidays, we usually get rid of everything we don’t need. We donate it to shelters. This is not only good for you it helps others in need.

6. Grab the kids and decorate. My wife used to get so stressed out when it came to putting up the Christmas tree. Now I get the kids to help and we do most of the work. (she changes a few things around but hey it’s a start)This allows her time to do other important task.

7. Help with shopping. Yea I get it men really don’t like to shop but let’s face it we rather have a happy wife. I usually will take care of my side of the family while she is doing hers. I am also out on Black Friday waiting in lines and taking orders. ( I have gotten pretty good over the years)

8. Make her take a break. Take the kids out for the afternoon and let her have the house to herself. This gives her some time to get things done alone. Plus this allows the kids a time to pick out gifts for her.

9. Don’t wait till Christmas Eve night to put everything together! I have 13 years under my belt. Trust me something always seems to still go wrong! (plus I admit I like playing with the toys myself before the kids get them)

10. Christmas Eve- Tire the kids out! So they will want to go to bed early. When they are in the bed relax and let Santa come and go back to bed! Don’t bother waking the kids up. Trust me they will wake up soon enough! Who wants grouchy sleepy kids on Christmas morning! (learned that the hard way)

So Dad’s Share me your tips!! As the years pass I learn more each year.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the Storkie holiday blogging program. I received compensation for my participation. All opinions are 100% mine.”

My daughter and I have always had this close bond and understanding. Many say that I spoil her and that it would come back to haunt me later. She’s 6 now and I admit that a lot of it has come true because she wants her way all the time. That sassy attitude like her mom has started coming out more.  I have to admit that no matter how tough you are if you have a daughter all that goes out the window.  That girl has had me do stuff I never thought I would do.  I have had so many tea parties; painted finger nails and played with dolls.  We used to spend so much time together, but as she is starting to get older and more independent things have changed. She is still a daddy’s girl even though she prefers spending more time with her friends and the computer now.

However, I am glad to say one thing hasn’t changed. That’s her love for reading.  I used to be the one doing the reading but now she reads to me. She brings new books home from school every day.  She is always excited when she finds a great book.  Even though she is in the first grade she is now reading on a fourth grade level.  She has a love for books like no other child her age, I’ve seen and currently her favorite books to read is about the dog Marley, which is cool because our dog name is Marley and she loved the movies Marley and Me, along with Marley and Me: The Puppy Years.

Even though I am sad that my baby is growing up, I enjoy and cherish each moment we do have our one on one times.  So parent’s if your child is outgrowing your special one on one time try having story time before bed.  Not only will that help them in reading but you get that special time with your child.

Usually at my household Saturday nights are usually movie night, you know that means no XBox 360, cell phones, Ipads or any other electronic device because it’s family time. That means soda, popcorn and all eyes on the television. I was recently invited to the pre-screening of a movie called “Field of Vision” which is part of “Family Movie Night” on Saturday, June 11 on NBC at 8pm ET/7pm CT. Well I was joined by my son in watching this movie which was very addictive for the 2 of us to watch and we enjoyed it very much.

The movie “Field of Vision” deals with a star quarterback for his high school team named Tyler McFarland(Tony Oller, “Gigantic” and “As The Bell Rings”) who uncovers an old video camera which shows a couple of his teammates bullying a transfer student named Cory Walker(Joe Adler, “Prom”), who’s having issues because he lost his mother at a young age. He’s faced with the task of should he tell or not which is taking place while the team is making a run at a state championship. “Field of Vision” is a uplifting movie which talks about the bullying which is going on in our schools and standing up to adversity.

There are plenty other great storylines involved in the movie which revolves around Tyler’s mom Jody McFarland played by Faith Ford from Murphy Brown fame. Where she was a 1st year teacher when Cory’s mom was her student and he helps him deal with his problems along with her young daughter Lucy (Alyssa Jordan Shafer, “The Unit”).

So please I encourage you to watch this great movie “Field of Vision”, I promise you that you and your family will enjoy this movie on Saturday, June 11 on NBC at 8pm ET/7pm CT. You can see more about the movie at http://www.familymovienight.com/field-of-vision/ or go to the facebook page http://www.facebook.com/familymovienight.

“I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Dad Central Consulting on behalf of P&G and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Around here we try to have family movie time at least one time a week. This gives us time to just sit back and enjoy family time while watching the newest releases. I was recently invited to watch the pre-screening of a great movie titled “Truth Be Told” that will air as Part of “Family Movie Night” on Saturday, April 16th on FOX at 8pm/7ct. My family really enjoyed this movie. One of the main characters is Candace Cameron Bure, the one we all watched grow up on the hit family show Full house.

When leading marriage counselor Annie Morgan (Candace Cameron Bure) is offered an opportunity to host a relationship talk show, she jumps at the chance. But fearful that being single might ruin her big break, she conspires with an old college friend and recent widower, Mark Crane (David James Elliott), to pose as a married couple with kids. Their story starts to unravel when Annie and Mark join her eccentric soon-to-be boss (Ronny Cox) for a weekend at his ranch in New Mexico. Comical misunderstandings mark the event as Annie struggles to keep up the ruse, finding herself emotionally invested and conflicted by her own conscience. Will she confess the truth about her marital status and her feelings for Mark… and will the truth set them free?

I am glad to see that Walmart and P&G are bringing this type of movies back to the homes. I just wish others would do the same. The movie had great points that we was able to take and discuss the issues with the kids mainly about lying, when is it OK to lie? Or even – where’s the line between a little white lie and a regular lie? We have always told the kids never to lie for any reason. We can deal with the truth way better than a lie any day! My kids still seem to try to lie time to time but I think they are learning that the truth will set them free and they get in less trouble just by being honest. As we watching the movie I could see my middle daughter in a lot of the character Zoey who was very protected of her father finding love with someone new after her mother had passed. She opened up and let her fears go. With many ups and downs throughout the movie it kept everyone waiting and trying to figure out what was going to happen next.

I urge everyone to make a family night this Saturday April 16th on FOX at 8pm/7ct. You will not be disappointed You can learn more about “Truth Be Told” at http://www.familymovienight.com/truth-be-told/ and Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/familymovienight.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of P&G and received a movie kit to facilitate my review and a gift code to thank me for taking the time to participate

There’s no question that moms play an all-important major role in the lives of their children. They are the obvious heroes of child rearing. But, what about a father’s role? Just how important are the fathers of the world compared to the almighty image of mother? I believe that as fathers we play equally important a roles as mothers. Different, yes I admit. Probably not as nurturing, not as all-sacrificing but just as essential in the developmental and emotional well being of a child.

Dads are the solid foundation of our lives. Fathers can be tender, tough, fragile or powerful but they are probably the most uncomplicated love we will ever know. For daughters, the father is the first man they adore … the first man whose eyes shine with overwhelming amazement when they look at us. He is the first man to fall in love with us.

For sons, Daddy is the idol they first dream to emulate … their mirror image of what will be and perhaps the only man they will ever feel comfortable loving. Daddy is the first man who held us, as a loving parent, with a lump in his throat so huge, only the joy of that love could erase the overwhelming pain of choking on unexpected raw emotion. I think when a father holds his newborn baby; he is touched by pure vulnerability for the first time in his adult life, leaving him forever humbled by the unexplained miracles of life.

For women, the father of their children is the one person they can trust to watch over her babies as closely as they would. We are secure in the knowledge of our love for our precious offspring. Father’s are the only other person in the world as fascinated with every nuance and murmur of our babies. We are the one person on the planet with whom we can easily indulge our need to brag and carry on about our kid’s accomplishments and heartaches ad nauseum … one who will be just as interested and never yawn in the face of our devotion.

Being a Father is one of the greatest gifts in a life that a man can have.  It’s one of the most rewarding jobs that we as men will ever have.  Father’s, need to know that we play just as much of a role in our children’s life as mothers.  Men if you’re not in your child’s life it’s time to step up our kids need us just as much.