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Prenatal Panic

When Father Fears He May Not Know Best

By Jay Sauls

To be honest, it takes a while for the word "daddy" to sink in. When you're in your late teens or early 20s, the word "daddy" followed by your name will place you in a catatonic state! Now, though, it's okay. It's like when someone gives you a strange nick-name and you put up with it because it's cool and new. So "daddy" is kind of strange for the first couple of months. But it also feels good. It delivers you from husband to father. You're still glowing and happy. There's nothing that can bring you down -- at first. It's usually when someone says, "Yeah, wait until you mix strained carrots with formula! Boy, the long distance vomit attacks can last for hours! Hope you plan on painting." The first twinge of doubt worms its way into your brain.

Then someone mentions how much fun it is to be in line at the bank and have your little cherub start screaming like a wild banshee. "Oh, yeah, man, there's no place to hide! Even the security cameras zoom in on you. You just try to ignore it while your child starts stabbing you with the pen! Luckily, it's on a chain so it can't do any real damage." Now you have patience to worry about. Since the dog's scratching bothers you, how can you handle something as fragile as a child?