There are millions of articles on tips for new moms but I think it’s as equally important to provide tips for new dads,  too. I have compiled some tips from Hello Beautiful’s Renee Jones from as well as WebMD  ( plus my own sidebars!) to help you first time fathers cope because a baby changes your life!

1. Seek Guidance – Before you leave the hospital ask the nurse to show you the basics. They are great teachers. They can show you how to hold the baby, swaddle and bathe the baby. Don’t leave the hospital without asking about anything that may be on your mind.

2. Be Supportive -Moms emotions are flying all over the place after having a baby. Remain supportive and patient as she works through these new emotions. The best thing for a new dad is just say yes and how may I help? Sit back and wait for a response.

3. Take One Day At A Time – You don’t become a great parent overnight. It takes time and patience. Trust your instincts and learn as you go along. As time goes on you will get better and better at it. Remember to your child you are their superstar!

4. When the going gets tough, take a break. There will be moments when the world conspires to make dads mad: when you haven't slept, the baby is crying, the phone is ringing, the milk is boiling over, and your partner is cranky. Turn off the stove, go outside, and take as many deep breaths as you need before re-entering the fray.

5.  Make time with your family a priority. When you look back on your life years from now, you won't regret not having worked longer hours. What you might regret is not having spent more time with your kids. Time spent playing on the floor or watching your baby sleep is time well spent. Enjoy this great excuse to hang around and "do nothing." As a new mother, I went back to grad school, worked and was so busy that one day I looked and BAM! Justin was already 9! Enjoy this time because until you get another child or grandbaby, it goes by!

6. Be extra patient, supportive, and communicative with your partner. Giving birth can be traumatic, and hormones continue to ebb and flow after childbirth. If there is ever a time to be understanding of your baby's mom, and available to her, too, this is it.

7. If you have a medical question about your baby, call your pediatrician, but don't panic. Babies are sturdier than they look.

8. Talk to other new fathers about your experience and theirs. Mothers' groups abound, and women love them. You don't need to call it a men's group, and you don't have to hug. Call it your "guys' night out."

9. Take care of yourself. Keep an eye on your driving, your diet, and your risk-taking. Your baby needs you for a long time. Being a healthy and happy dad is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your kids. And please, pray! You need need that supernatural power to stay out of your emotions and flesh so you can  parent peacefully.

10. Follow your instincts and intuition. Listen to the advice of others, read about parenting, consult the experts, but consider yourself the authority on your child. No one will know your baby as well as you and your partner

HAPPT FATHER'S DAY TO ALL! And for our newbies, welcoem to the parent club! Parenting is a privilege and calling – regardless of the tough times. Be blessed, my daddies. I am praying and rooting for you!

Go, daddy, go! (with imaginary pom-poms!)