How to be a good Daddy-Nanny: 6 points

Just imagine how exited and elated we were when the little ones arrived into our lives. However, our joy is short-lived and soon turns to nightmare (at least for those for whom babysitting is not their cup of tea). This nightmare starts by the time our ‘bundle of joy’ is now come of age for crawling. Yeah? But there isn’t any way out – this is not a matter of take it or leave it. This is the real test of fatherhood and all the lovey-dovey promises you have made it to your better-half when in good times. If you are in this kind of situation right now like me, here are some tips to ease your pain, huh trouble.

1. Clean and Clear the room of unwanted things: A child would always go for new things and want to touch everything they set their eyes on. They also have a habit of picking anything that catches their eyes on the floor. Therefore, the first thing you must do in the morning should be clean and clear the room. This would greatly save your energy and getting mad. It will minimize your ‘don’t touch that’, ‘don’t go there’ and blah blah blah. Give them enough freedom.

         

2. Don’t mind getting dirty: One of the things that would annoy you would be getting dirty. Well, you can’t expect that. Children love to play and they should. It’s good for growth in every way. So be a good sport. Take it as an opportunity to relive your childhood again. Teach the old games you have learnt from your daddy as a kid.

3. Let them have their way, not yours: You would be so immature to lock horns with an infant. Remember they have weak communication at the moment. So they would love to do only what pleases their mind at the moment. So many times they would go against your wishes. Confronting them would lead to fidgeting and other annoying things. So just follow them. As long as they are safe, it’s okay. Let them crawl, walk, go, play and whatever. Just have your eyes on them.

4. Have extra patience: Babysitting job is one of the toughest. You can overcome this job only through patience. Remember, you were also like this once. Hence, the only consolation is that consider spending time with your little ones as the best investment. It really is. If you neglect this duty now, expect troubles ahead which will be incomparable.

5. Learn their language: One of the main reasons for a child’s nagging and crying is our inability to understand their language. They want something – they want to say something – but we don’t grasp. However, through experience and effort we can learn their language.

6. Consider your child as a precious gift: Yes, children are a precious  gift of God. They are priceless. It is because of them that you are called a ‘father’. Not everyone can become a father. There are millions of couples who would give anything to have a baby of their own. Just remember this and let your heart warm with gratefulness.

Yippee! Daddy is home!

Before, my life was most of the time outside.
I was hungry for works.
It was all about goals, achievements – self-glory.

But the arrival of this little one I’m looking at now
Has put me under home-arrest and gave me a new thinking.
Now it’s all about her at the moment; Like –
Will I be able to raise her up in the right way?
Can I be a good daddy to her?
What if I gain the whole world but lose this little soul?

I’m beginning to see that ‘How we live our life at home is very important.’

That, first I am a Husband, then a Daddy and my work comes last.

A conqueror in the eyes of the world but
A failure at home;
A hero outside but zero back home
Is not really what the LORD has meant our lives to be.

Now I understand why the mighty Rome fell.
Surely, strong homes make a strong society.
If Nagaland should rise to glory,
Then one thing is necessary –
We must return home
With love and truth.

How to get Pregnant - Pregnancy Tips

Well, well, I am not going to offer medical advice. Just want to share some few tips out of experience hoping that this would benefit some couples.

To begin with, most of us thought that getting pregnant would be easy especially when we were young. Honestly never in my life have I imagined that I would ever encounter this thought – Am I destined to become a father?

What are the obstacles that can prevent you from becoming a parent? Infertility, age, miscarriage, ignorance, carelessness etc. etc. ????

Let the doctors explain on the first two points. But for the last three, I have something helpful to share and I believe and hope that this will prove beneficial for some couple.

You know, my wife and I went through some painful period as we had two miscarriages. You know what I mean. However, I blame myself (even my wife) for that. Of course, being a Christian, I believe that it’s entirely in God’s hand whether to have children of our own or not. But let us also not forget that ‘God help those who help themselves.’ You know many of our failures in life are caused by ‘ignorance’ or ‘carelessness.’ Ours was both. It was found that the miscarriage was mainly caused due to – Firstly, driving (she drove from home to college daily – 25 Kms – and my in Kohima road. Kohima is dubbed as the pothole capital of the world). Secondly, lack of planning. Thirdly, eating forbidden foods. There are certain foods to be avoided during pregnancy. Fourthly, lifting heavy stuffs and doing things that demand too much abdominal movement.  

So here’s what I want to share:

1.  Don’t drive – If your work place is too far, better get an apartment near it for the time being. You can hire a chauffeur. Also see that whenever you travel, avoid jerking and bad roads. For us, we rented a house near her college. We planned only after getting into the new house.

2. Plan – We do things better when we plan. Better the plan, better the outcome. Even getting pregnant demands planning. You know there are fertile period for women. So you plan accordingly. Know her menstrual cycle and mark it on the calendar. There are some websites with ovulation calendar. Here’s one BabyHopes.com. See that you (husband) abstain from any sex activities (no ejaculation) for at least 4-5 days before the planned date (mating).

3. Bed Rest – It is said that the first trimester (first 3 months) is very crucial. So take enough rest (especially) bed rest.

4. No heavy work – If you are serious to become a mother, leave the work for now. There will be work until we die. Don’t tire yourself too much or lift heavy stuff.

5. Know what you eat – There are certain fruits which cause abortion. So research and avoid those foods. You can google and find out. Here’s a good website Huggies.com

6. Take nutritious foods and vitamins – Just as some foods are bad, there are some great fruits/vegetables that are good during pregnancy which makes the womb strong. Research and take those.  Babycenter.com

         If you follow these, from human point of view, you will become a parent. Also pray fervently. Everything is from above. The Bible says "Ask and it shall be given unto you." (Matthew 7: 7) God listens and hears our prayer. Sometimes He tests by giving us challenges so that we grow in faith. As for me and my wife, you don't know how much we prayed and spent time with Him. Do what you can and leave the rest to God. Amen!