5 Things I Didn’t Know Until I Became a Father

Parenting

by Lamar Tyler | on April 10th, 2009 | 7 comments

The other day I was reflecting on just how much extra stuff the old brain has taken in since I became a father. I may have babysat my nieces and nephews every blue moon but as a fun loving single guy I tried to keep that to a minimum. Here is a short list of just some of the things I’ve learned since I became a father.

The pride and responsibility of showing your children what a man really is.
The difference between Desitin and A+D and my personal preference of when to use one instead of the other.
That they still get up at 6AM no matter how late they stay up.
That I would celebrate the last day we had to wash a bottle.
That watching Ronnie take care of the kids would make me love her more.

BMWK family, what are your 5 things you didn’t know until you became a parent?

About the author

Lamar and Ronnie Tyler are the creators of the award-winning blog BlackandMarriedWithKids.com . They also are behind the Amazon.com bestselling DVDs Happily Ever After: A Positive Image of Black Marriage, You Saved Me and Men Ain’t Boys that explores manhood in the African American community. The Tylers are also the proud parents of four children.

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Comments (7)

Tara Pringle Jefferson Friday - 10 / 04 / 2009 Reply

I didn't know: 1. That I could get so happy after watching my daughter use the potty. 2. That I would break down in tears after each milestone (including seeing my daughter use the potty...Imagine a grown woman standing there crying, looking at a bowl of her baby's urine, no longer confined to the absorbent layers of a diaper. I've never been prouder.) 3. That I would feel compelled to work all hours of the day and night because I needed to PROVIDE FOR THE BABIES!! I keep a picture of my kids on my desk because it gives just enough strength to stay focused when I feel my mind wandering... 4. That I could get so giddy hearing a little person say, "Mommy!" 5. That little kids are HILARIOUS! My kids crack me up on the daily... Tara Pringle Jeffersons last blog post..I had one of those days…
TP2 Friday - 10 / 04 / 2009 Reply

1. Your daughter won't stay 4 and cute forever! 2. My son will do EVERYTHING I did as a young fella, and will try what I do as a man. 3. There's a difference between Luvs, Pampers, Huggies, and store brand diapers. 4. Being a dad requires more than paying the bills and carrying pictures in your wallet. 5. It's takes 3 to raise a kid: Mom, Dad, and God!
Harriet Friday - 10 / 04 / 2009 Reply

1. That I would find so much joy in what would seem mundane to those without children ("You put your pants on by yourself? WOO HOO!!") 2. That I would develop such a deep, intimate relationship with bodily secretions, whether boogers or boo boo. 3. That little boys are CRAZY! They build it to get as high as they can, then they jump to see if you're strong enough to catch them before they bust their faces wide open. LOL 4. That someone could love me so unconditionally, in spite of all my flaws. 5. That a hug from my child has the abiity to dissipate every stressor from the day. 6. That playing on playgrounds is still fun, even though I get stuck on the slide from time to time. 7. That if I didn't know I was born to be a teacher before I had children, I'm certainly made for it now.
Tamara Friday - 10 / 04 / 2009 Reply

*comes out of lurkdom to email this post and responses to hubby* LOL
MissJay Friday - 10 / 04 / 2009 Reply

"That they still get up at 6AM no matter how late they stay up." I learned that one LOL Things I've learned since becoming a (step)mom: -I never knew I could love children so much even if they didn't come out of me. -The difference between throw up and spit up -I don't have to be called "mommy" to feel like one. Kids have a sneaky way of getting smart with you LOL
Anonymous Tuesday - 14 / 04 / 2009 Reply

that was real cute but did you know those little suckers will eat your food, drink your drinks and steal your car.
Dantresomi Sunday - 19 / 04 / 2009 Reply

1. Love is Hard Word. 2. that some of the things my mom did to raise me were downright abusive. 3. It made me realize that the most important things on this planet is family. Being married with children is the best political/social/spiritual organization one can join. 4. It made me really see how my male privilege works. It made my male privilege more visible. 5. I think I am raising a gang of comedians. Dantresomis last blog post..