Brett Cohen - Stuff Every Dad Should Know

A sincere thanks to everyone at Quirk Books for making this and every book we publish great. Thanks to Randi, Ilivia, and Sawyer. Thanks to Phil, Sheryl, Harvey, Rosalie, Lena, Mandi, Adam, Lexi, Brett, Shawn, Andrew, Ashley, Hailey, Brian, Pamela, and Teddy. Thanks to Adam, Brad, Bieb, Dave, Jason, Jay, Jeff, Joe, Josh, Matt, Matzner, Michael, Scott, SOHK, and CORE.

And a hearty thanks to dads everywhere!

Also available:

Stuff Every Man

Should Know

Recipes Every Man

Should Know

quirkbooks.com

Welcome to fatherhood! Youve coached Mom through labor, cut the umbilical cord, and passed out the cigars. Youve brought home your bundle of joy. And then it hits you: Now what?

Sure, the adventures of New Dad sound an awful lot like the adventures of Bachelor Man:

Late nights with a bottle in your hand

Working extra hard to get her into bed

Explaining why its OK for you to spend some time apart

Sleepover parties with tons of girls

Talking about drugs and alcohol

But now all these activities have a whole new spin. That late-night bottle is full of baby formula, not Sam Adams. Youre luring that cutie-pie to bed by reading a story, clearing the room of monsters, and fetching one last glass of water before retreating to the blissful haven of your room. That talk about spending time apart is going to happen while your child wails in despair as you try to say good-bye and drive away on the first day of school. The sleepover partyyeah, your job is to rent a movie that a roomful of nine-year-olds will all like. And talking about mood-altering substances gets a lot less funny and a lot more serious when youre the one explaining to your child why she should not use them.

Its a whole new world, huh? Have no fear. This book is jam-packed with information and resources to help you along the way.

Always remember: Being a dad changes your lifefor the better. You will marvel at your childs first step and cheer at the first soccer game. You will laugh your pants off watching your childs first meal and, decades later, cry your eyes out at the wedding rehearsal dinner.

A lifetime of joy awaits. Also, a lifetime of stuff that needs doing. Fortunately, what you are holding is Stuff Every Dad Should Know.

Surprise! You thought we were going to start with something about infant care, didnt you? Welcome to your new life. For the next two decades, starting today if not sooner, you will be locking away a piece of your income every week to help ensure your child has as many options as possible come graduation day.

Start small and start now. Take a look at your budget and allocate whatever you can. Can you find $1 per day to put aside? $2 per day? Start there. Just by opening the account and contributing monthly, youll have taken a huge step toward your goal.

Increase your investment over time. Assess your contribution annually. Increase it commensurately to any rise in your income. Anytime youre fortunate enough to get a bonus, a portion should be deposited into the college account. And any total-surprise windfalls, like winnings from your fantasy football league, should go straight into the account.

Speak to a financial advisor. Around your childs fifth birthday, seek advice on ways to help grow the college fund even more quickly. An advisor can point you to 529 savings plans, mutual funds, stocks, and bonds.

Whats a 529 Savings Plan?

Also known as qualified tuition plans, these investment accounts are designed to encourage saving for college education. There are two basic types: pre-paid tuition plans, which allow you to lock in the price of tuition at eligible universities and colleges but cover tuition only, and college savings plans, which cover all qualified higher-education expenses (tuition, room and board, books, computers, etc.) but dont lock in any of these costs. At least one is available in every U.S. state and Washington, D.C., so check whats available where you live. If both are options in your area, read up on the different features and requirements of each before deciding. Contributions made to either type of 529 plan are exempt from federal (and often state) tax, and withdrawals that are used for anything other than approved expenses are subject to hefty penalties.

OK, now comes the infant-care part. Holding and comforting your child is the most basic form of bonding. So lets start you off right.

Slide one hand under your babys neck and head. Remember to always support a babys head and neck, especially at the newborn stage.

Slide the other hand under your babys bottom and back.

Lift your baby up and bring him close to your body.

From this position, you can raise your baby so his head rests on the front of your shoulder. Continue to support his bottom with your other hand.

Alternately, you can guide your babys head and neck into the crook of your arm to cradle him. For added support, tuck your other arm under him as well.

Holding your child is the most basic form of bonding.

Its been said that the first time is the hardest. This is true. Its usually not pretty in there, but youll get used to it quickly. So man up, rip off the tabs, and follow these instructions to get in and out as efficiently as possible.

Gather all the items you need: child, fresh diaper, baby wipes.