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You are here: Home / Dad / Can children drastically change your life? Short answer – yes

Can children drastically change your life? Short answer – yes

November 22, 2011 by GreatDad Writers Leave a Comment

When young people begin to start thinking about having children, the usual clichés often come to mind – tiny shoes, toys scattered about the house, sleepless nights, dirty diapers and bedtime stories. But these images are only the tip of the iceberg when considering the sheer number of ways life can change the moment their first baby arrives. Here are some of the lesser-known realities of parenthood.

Expenses
Depending on the age you decide to have children, you may have recently gotten used to supporting yourself or have been financially independent for some time. Regardless of your situation, having a child is about the most expensive investment you will make during your life. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, middle-income parents will spend about $227,000 on food, shelter and other necessities raising a single child from age one to seventeen (2010). These figures don't include other non-essential costs like toys, athletic programs, music lessons, insurance and college tuition, which are sure to pop up down the road. 

Marriage
Many couples don't expect the shift in family dynamic that occurs after having a baby. The team chemistry of your marriage may be tested if your wife begins to associate more closely with the baby than you, which can make you feel like a third wheel. This may create a confusing balance, but after a few months, harmony is usually restored.

Mental state
Your mental state will also likely change significantly upon becoming a parent. Aside from worrying about the general well-being of your little one, even seemingly non-threatening situations like a sleepover birthday party can seem like cause for concern when they're older. However, it's important not to overlook the way your emotional state will change for the better – after all, most dads will agree that the rewards of having a child are unparalleled. 

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Great Dad Talks is a series of conversations with experts on all aspects of the family adventure. With the perspective that “dads don’t always think like moms,” our mission is to support dad voices and our slightly different approaches to parenting. We’ll try to find solutions to every day challenges like getting kids off the couch and making STEM classes available for both boys and girls. But we’ll also tackle bigger issues when they come. The one main theme will be to support dads in the most important role of their lives that of being a great dad. Connect with us at greatdad.com and watch the video version of these podcasts at YouTube.com/greatdadnews

150. The Power of Humor in Parenting with Gavin Bellour
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How does humor shape a happy family? In this episode of Great Dad Talks, explore the power of laughter in parenting with director, creative, and dad of four, Gavin Bellour. Gavin shares stories from both his advertising career—featuring celebrities like Jason Biggs, Martha Stewart, and Norm Macdonald—and his life as a father trying to find joy, even amid chaos.

From embracing dad jokes to making humor an essential family value, we discuss the challenges and hilarity of parenthood. We cover playful family rituals, the importance of laughing at yourself, and practical tips on bringing more humor—and less stress—into your home.

Check out Gavin’s website at www.gavinbellour.com

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