The First 100 Days
The beginning of my first term
In a few short weeks, I will be a father for the first time; maybe sooner if the baby decides to break out early. This writing series will document my experiences, feelings, and learnings from the earliest days of caring for a new human.
Much like the focus of a newly elected politician is on his/her actions in the first 100 days of holding office, these daily essays will capture a period of rapid change in my first term of parenting. While there may not be executive orders issued, legislation written, or diplomatic meetings attended in my position, there will surely be many instances of triumph, failure, frustration, and learning.
Goals
To share insights with other discerning dads (or moms) who parent with purpose.
As I learn, I want other people to benefit from my struggles, research, and successes. I hope that readers find common ground in my stories and can laugh with me as much as they learn.
To clarify my thinking on parenting through research and writing.
For better or for worse, I have a primarily analytical mindset. I tend to be more of a risk assessment bot than a free-spirit or go-with-the-flow kind of guy. While this can be a hindrance in certain social situations, it can also be a tremendous strength when needing to quickly learn new things or evaluate options. I plan to apply rigor to parenting conventional wisdom, books, and even psychological and childhood development research to form my own views and fundamental parenting values.
To record the earliest days of my child’s life.
When I was a young child, my mother used a “Baby’s First Years” keepsake book to document milestones and memories. I see this essay series as being an artifact to remember these special days. Perhaps many years in the future, I will reflect on my journey and hopefully, I will see evidence of a man who embraced fatherhood.
To be the best father I can be.
Ok, this one is obvious and a bit cliché. I want to show up every day with kindness, intention, love, and a growth mindset. Though I won’t be perfect, or anywhere near it, I can be open to learning and improving.
Let the journey begin
I hope you will join me for the next 100+ days as I navigate fatherhood and sharing online. Please drop a comment or send me a message if you have questions, ideas, advice, or a story to share. I would love to hear from you!
So long for now.
-Felix