Where are the instructions?


So the plan to put out regular blogs has already come under pressure from the realities of adult life. A combination of work, reservist commitments, and general life admin has meant this has taken a little longer than expected. However, better late than never.

One of the first things I’ve noticed about being an expectant parent is the lack of clear instructions. In every element of my life there has been someone to provide clear advice on how to achieve the desired outcome. Write this essay to get a good grade, deliver on this project to succeed at work, sign these documents to get a house.

However, when I look for guidance as a future father I’m met with such useful advice as “just try to survive the first month” or “no one knows what they’re doing”. These are undoubtedly well meaning but not hugely useful.

Even worse are the books aimed at dads. Those I’ve read so far seem to be trite, and largely based on cliché’s. Alternatively, there are those books which seek to provide instruction but seem intent on wrapping it up in a suitably macho package.

Regardless, my primary emotion is one of bewilderment. How do you learn to be a dad and I swear to God if someone else says “you’ll figure it out” I might cry.