I’ve reached the halfway point in the #40Days40Dads project! Today’s entry features daddy blogger Chris Peters, proprietor of Ask A Daddy and creator of a brand new online magazine called Fatherhood Beacon. Check that out and check out his solid answers below. Thanks, Chris!
Dad #20: Chris Peters
Chris is the father of a 4-year-old daughter and a 15-month-old son.
What was the moment when you first felt like a father?
The first night in the hospital was when it really sunk it. I was suddenly responsible for 3 of us, not just 2. I remember feeling a strong protective instinct well up inside, something like the feeling that I needed to keep watch mixed with the urge to constantly check everything in the room for abnormalities, including my daughter’s breathing pattern. That didn’t change until my need for sleep over-rode my urge to protect.
What’s your favorite part about being a father?
I love seeing my kids grasp new things. I’m always teaching my daughter songs, and my son new sound effects. He’s close to matching my mouth laser noise. I’m one proud Daddy!
What’s the hardest part about being a father?
I’m always at my worst when I’m not getting enough sleep. I get impatient, moody, and sometimes feel desperate. Not easy! I have to remind myself that it’s not permanent, and that I will miss them being little in just a few short years.
What’s the dumbest/funniest thing that your kid has cried about or fought with you over?
My son was brokenhearted that I offered him some of my sandwich the other day. He crumpled into a pile of tears. How dare Daddy try and share? I’ve also kept him from falling into the tub, talking in front of traffic, or falling off a counter, with equal emotional response.
What are you most proud of having taught/shared with your kids or what are you most looking forward to teaching/sharing with them?
My kids are both early talkers. I worked really hard to expose them to lots of different sounds and words, and I’m quite proud of that. I think I’m most proud of the sound effects, though. My daughter does a great galloping horse and Small World imitation, and my son has my famous “mouth laser” almost there.
What’s your favorite thing about your kids?
I adore their little senses of humor. Even from a young age, you can see in their eyes that they know something funny and want you to catch on to it, too. When they start talking, hilarity ensues!
If you could go back in time and give yourself a piece of advice when you first became a father, what would you say?
No one has the handbook for fathers. The Bible is a great start, but your kid will cry a lot, say and do things you don’t like, and have health issues that you have no clue what to do with. Everyone is forced to guess, and no one really knows the answers. Just do the best you can, and learn you own children along the way. Soon you’ll be the expert on YOUR child.
If you’re a father or you know a father who would like to share his story, send him to this link to answer the questions. Stay tuned for another dad’s crib notes tomorrow!
