By 
Becoming a parent is sure to change more about you, your relationships, and perspectives than almost any other event in your life. Since my seventh son just joined our merry band, I’ll try to share some brotherly advice on how to make everything centered on growth and glory and not stress and worry.
First of all, understand that you, your wife, and those around the new one will function as an emotional and spiritual metronome. Experience has shown me that children, and especially newborns, take in more than they see. If caregivers are anxious, fearful and insecure, or generally stressed, chances are the baby is too. Seek the peace of Christ, claim it, speak it about home and all that is in it, and dwell in it. Purpose of acting and projecting a calm and loving presence. In the first few days you will bond and print with the little novice. Warmth, security and peace will flow from a loving, calm and nurturing environment for which you can set the pace.
Second, set a schedule. When we had our Quads, we would have turned up the flairs and settled under the waves without this constant float around us. Take note of the clock. Calculate how often the little bundle wakes up, eats and fills diapers. Do not draw or address the neurotic. (See tip #1!) Plan your meals and changes. Make sure you have all your supplies. Diapers, wipes, bibs, bottles, butt balm, nursing supplies, changes of clothes, toys, and bedding should be on hand. To run after them in a panic is to disturb the peace. Check your supplies and stay stocked, prepare ahead of time.
Third, fit visits into your schedule. Everyone wants to see the little cherub, but a constant stream of calls and visitors will break the effectiveness of their healthy and peaceful surroundings. Resulting in an unhappy baby and tired, unhappy parents. Give people times for visits. Take advantage of visits from the people you know and trust the most to give you and mom a break. Let them take a turn and manage a cycle of changing, feeding and cuddling. This allows them to visit and bond a bit, as well as convey their trust and inclusion to enhance relationships while you rest and restock or take care of necessary business.
Fourth, make time for mom. Make sure that as soon as possible you and Mrs. spend some time together. Between nap cycles, do something special. Go out into the yard. If someone has your back for a meal or two and Mom is willing to do so, get her out of the house. You may not see it now as young parents, but one day this little blessing and others to come will grow and slowly go their own way. God, your marriage and your fatherhood are all primary and priority relationships, but try to keep them in the established order. You will thank me!
Fifth, realize that this entire process is not about you, your family of origin, or your wife and hers. Roles can emerge as we become moms and dads. Expectations and comparisons to parents, siblings, neighbors, and others can blur your focus and rob you of the true joy of what God has done and where He has placed you in it.
As a husband and father, you are a steward. We don’t need to be hampered by or pass on the pains of our own childhood, or have our efforts overshadowed by the accomplishments of anyone else, real or imagined, in the parenting department. This is a special point in your life and walk with Christ. Anything that has been stolen or misdirected toward your soul over the years can come full circle if you set out to be a purpose-driven Christian dad. Your little cherubim are arrows in your quiver, and your adversary owes you sevenfold reward for his wickedness. Reach deep and high all the wisdom and love that Jesus will give you and make each arrow a penetrating blow of restoration and Glory to God and his purpose for you and yours!
Copyright 2006 Mike Poff