Last Saturday was our baby shower, at Mom's 32nd week of pregnancy. Of course, the basics were there: a dozen or so girls, a few family members, dolls playing in the middle of the room, a pile of finely wrapped gifts. To all this, we added dads, and it was great.
The baby shower is traditionally an event organized by girls, for girls. At the heart of the party is the imminent birth of a child. And who's behind that child? A mom ... and a dad! For the arrival of your first baby, don't get caught up in conventions and consider organizing a mixed shower. But why?
Here are 5 great reasons to throw a mixed baby shower and do away with the rules. ladies only.
1. Dad can take care of the kids
It's a well-known fact that a baby shower is a kid-friendly event. Half a day of managing your baby through other people's children, while giving time and love to your friend who's entering her third trimester, is exhausting. So much so that you might want to cut your presence at the party short and go home for your little ones' nap.
With Dad taking over, you'll be able to divide up parenting responsibilities and talk things over without having to keep a constant eye on your kids. (Well, you'll have to keep an eye on Dad ... but that's not so bad, is it?)
2. Give Dad a chance to say thank you
The needs of a young family are many, and the baby shower is often an opportunity to equip oneself as a champion. With the arrival of a first baby, the people around you are endlessly generous.
Unfortunately, if Dad stays home on this special day, he won't have the chance to thank friends and family with a big hug. Well, he had no idea what a bassinet, jumper or teething toy was, but he's still very happy to receive all this attention!
3. Dads lead group discussions
What are ten young mothers talking about? Their children. What are ten young dads talking about? Jobs, sports, memories, music, fishing, floats... and their kids.
To make sure your baby shower doesn't feel like a motherhood conference, remember to include dads on the guest list.
Guys, in addition to coloring the exchanges, this is a wonderful opportunity to get together. A young family's schedule is hectic, and it's likely that the frequency of your boys' nights out has diminished.
4. Dads make excellent assistants
Even if they're not the event organizers, there's nothing like dads to help ladies with baby shower chores. Dishes on the counter? Dads are excellent dishwashers. Hot dogs on the barbecue? Dads all think they're masters of the grill. A child spills juice on the living room floor? Lift a finger and it's cleaned up. The power of teamwork!
5. Involving dad, right from the start
Still in 2018, it's a challenge for all couples. The equal involvement of both parents in the adventure of parenthood remains difficult and requires effort on both sides. Mom carries baby for 9 months, she's responsible for most appointments, she'll be in charge of breastfeeding, she's the captain of the Baby project... and sometimes Dad doesn't know where to start.
Help us to help you by valuing our role and making a place for ourselves in every stage of our child's birth ... starting with the baby shower!
