What does the future spell for freelance work?
The underlying desire for freelance work is increasing due to technological advancements...read more
Becoming a father is a moment to cherish. But that nine months quickly vanishes – and you’ve suddenly run out of time to prepare.
More men are leaving their businessman lifestyle behind to become stay-at-home parents. Here we explore how you can adapt to the lifestyle that might be unfamiliar to you, revealing that the transformation might not be quite as stressful as you think.
For some, it can be the attire that you take pride in during your working days. But there’s no need to say goodbye to your finest clothing as you enter fatherhood.
Your wardrobe may be filled with the finest shirts and suits for the businessman look, and you can still incorporate this into your life – despite not being in the office. While you may want to don a comfortable choice during your days spent with your baby, you can always savour your smartest clothing for socialising. So don’t say goodbye to your beloved collection just yet. Why not have a dinner date with your partner at home and dress in your favourite suit for the occasion? You may even discover some skills that you weren’t aware you had, such as cooking.
If you’re a creature of habit, drastic changes to your routine can be difficult to deal with. If early mornings and late nights for your job are what you’re used to however, this will remain a familiar part of your life as a parent.
As hectic as this can be, maintaining a routine is just as important as a parent as it is as a businessman. Have a schedule for your errands – shop for groceries at 10a.m., finish the laundry by midday, or whatever it might be. Even scheduling in your lunch for the day will keep you in that routine that your body clock is used to, albeit for alternative reasons. Nevertheless, it will benefit you during your transition as well as keep you organised. Of course, expect any last-minute changes to your calendar, as newborns are unpredictable – but shuffling your schedule around isn’t anything out of the ordinary for a businessman.
The arrival of your bundle of joy is an unforgettable moment to mark the start of your journey as a family, but it can be a stressful time for you and your partner. Fortunately, there are ways to ease the stress to assist you in your new ‘career’.
Your child’s sleeping pattern can determine your stress levels as a new parents. But studies have found that children sleep better outdoors, and this helps them to get a good night’s sleep as they have learnt to sleep on their own. This, in turn, helps you to recharge slightly without sacrificing your own sleeping pattern too much.
Life prior to parenting may have consisted of many trips to the gym. But your new job as a stay-at-home dad can still incorporate exercise into the day through a peaceful stroll with your little one in the pushchair, especially on a warm summer’s day. It’s a perfect time to unwind, and who’s to say you can’t look dashing doing so? Sport some of your best smart-casual clothing, and meet up with a friend to catch up on your new life as a parent.
While it may seem daunting at first, the transformation into a stay-at-home dad might not be as scary as it seems. In fact, there are plenty of exciting times ahead, and the experience of meeting your new child for the first time will be like no other.
Read more:
John Lewis, AON and Aviva scoop Employers Awards
Waiting for school to arrive for the first time as a dad