You’ve spent the last few months preparing for fatherhood. After the congratulations have faded, you are in for some changes!
One thing you’ll hear time and time again is that once you become a father, your whole life will change. It is this feeling that may lead to a fear of fatherhood.
That is 100% true!
You will be responsible for another human being, so your days of only focusing on yourself will be in the past.
But what does that mean?
What happens to us men when we become fathers?
If you are wondering how fatherhood changes a man, then read on!
How Fatherhood Changes a Man – 6 Ways
Your brain and hormones will change biologically, assisting you in some of the preparation jobs. New dads will experience an increase in various hormones, including prolactin, estrogen, glucocorticoids, and, most critically, oxytocin, much like their partners (the love hormone).
All of these hormones are produced when you come into contact with your baby, but oxytocin is the hormone that causes that parental bond to snap into place.
In addition, some studies show that new fathers’ brains may grow new neurons. Your brain is developing new connections and pathways to meet your new normal as a dad, helping you rise to the challenge of parenthood.
It’s not just your brain and your body chemistry that will change. You will notice adjustments in your thoughts, behaviors, priorities, and more.
Here are six ways fatherhood changes a man so you know what to expect.
It may not always be easy, and it will involve hormonal changes, but being a father is one of the most rewarding jobs!
You Will Be More Protective
When you become a dad, your entire existence will revolve around protecting your child.
You will start to sense danger that you have never noticed before.
Is that corner too sharp?
Why are there so many stairs?
Who is that stranger looking at?
You will start to assess all situations for danger and plan how best to protect your baby.
You will go to any length to protect your child from danger. This will change with time, but it will never vanish. Whether your child is one year old or 31, your first instinct will always be to protect them.
You Will Notice More
When you have a child, you will view the world in a new light and begin to observe and pay attention to others around you.
This is especially true with your child.
You’ll be able to tell when they’re going to have a tantrum when they’re exhausted, and so much more by their screams.
You’ll see that newborns can communicate before they say anything, and you’ll learn a lot just by watching.
And, it’s not just your baby you will be more observant about. You will start to see more from your partner and the world around you.
Your awareness of the world around you is shifting, which will only benefit your interpersonal relationships.
Becoming a Father Makes You Worry a Lot
Even if you were the most laid-back person before becoming a dad, you would develop a sense of anxiety and dread that you never knew possible.
It goes hand in hand with being more protective and noticing more – not only will you see new dangers, but you will react to them differently.
A typical cold will likely cause you to quarantine your baby when the old you would have gone to work.
You’ll be so worried about germs that hand sanitizer and hand washing will become new hobbies. You’ll also begin to be concerned about money in new ways and begin to plan for the future.
Not all anxiety is bad. Just make sure it doesn’t take over your life.
You and your baby need to get out into the world and see everything it can offer you.
You Will Survive on Less Than You Ever Imagined
Fatherhood is like boot camp. You will be pushed to your limits, but you will become stronger and a better man and father.
Babies are hard work, and you will learn just what little you can exist on.
A full, uninterrupted night’s sleep will be a thing of the past. It would be best to trade power naps with your partner between feedings.
You will eat the bare minimum, sometimes just surviving on coffee and energy drinks. For the first few months, it’s like an unhealthy marathon, but eventually, it gets better.
You will learn to manage through the exhaustion, and your baby’s smiles and laughs make it all worth it.
No matter how difficult it may be, cherish even the worst parts. Your baby will be grown before you know it.
You Will Become Healthier
Being active and engaged with your baby will lead to a healthier lifestyle.
First and foremost, you should take them out to discover the world. Then, you’ll start jogging with them, coaching them in soccer, biking, and swimming when they get older.
All this is great exercise, and you don’t have to go to the gym to do it!
Many fathers will give up harmful habits such as smoking, drinking, or participating in unsafe activities. They want to live long, happy, and healthy lives, and avoiding vices will help them achieve that goal.
Instead, dads focus on setting a good example for their children because little eyes and ears are always soaking up what’s around them.
If you do not become healthier, we all know what men’s bodies can be like!
You Will Be More Selective
Life isn’t all fun and games anymore, and you will become more selective with your time – and often who you spend your time with – once you become a dad.
Those good-time friends who were always down for an all-nighter at the casino will fade away to make time for the couple with a child the same age as yours.
Your priorities shift, and you are no longer worried about being cool in front of the boys.
This is a perfectly normal evolution, no matter how difficult it is to accept at first. You’ll gravitate toward folks with whom you have interests, frequently couples or fathers with children.
Your free time is precious, and a night out is few and far between. It’s okay to grow up and be more selective with your time and friends.
Conclusion
Becoming a father is tough, and many guys are nervous about how being a father will change them. When I considered how fatherhood changes a man, I didn’t see any negatives.
For me, all changes are dwarfed by the feelings of pride as you watch your baby grow and develop. It truly is the most incredible feeling in the world!
This post has given you 6 ways a man might change when they become a father. Hopefully, it guides you into making the correct decision for you.
I wouldn’t change it for the world!
Good luck.
