How Becoming a Dad Changed My Life

I found out I was going to be a dad on my 24th birthday. At the time this is the last thing in the world that I wanted. Despite being in a loving relationship, I did not want a kid because I felt too young, I didn’t want the financial burden and I wanted to do more travel.

At the time of writing this, my son Xavier is 8 weeks old. I can honestly say there has not been a bigger moment in my life than seeing my son for the first time. He is an absolute joy, and seeing his smiling face can wipe away the worries of the world in an instant.

Sometime during the pregnancy my thoughts about the impending baby underwent a paradigm shift. If I was to pinpoint a particular moment, it would be when a close friend said to me: “why can’t you have a baby and still be financially successful and travel the world?”

That question triggered something inside my head. “Why not?” I asked myself.

As I began to believe that these goals were still possible my attitude changed. I chose to be excited about becoming a dad and my negative thoughts disappeared. This excitement was only to grow as the months rolled on – what an incredible feeling when I felt the little fella kick for the first time and at the ultrasound when we saw a 3D image of him and found out our baby was going to be a boy.

When Xavier was finally born (he came 2 weeks late) it was the most nervewracking, exciting and joyous moment of my life. Thinking about it, I have Xavier to thank for the creation of this blog. When I realised that I would have to care for, and be a model to, another human being I truly wanted to be the best person I possibly could.

Are you a parent? How did it change your life? I would love to hear your stories below.

6 thoughts on “How Becoming a Dad Changed My Life”

  1. Can you tell me how and what is your plan to achieve what you want to do financially and have kid at the same time? I kinda am in the similar situation but my negative thought won’t go away IF I cannot lay out a plan

  2. Peter,
    Just your title alone gave me goose pimples. I have a similar story to yours but with a added twist. I am 36 y\o and have been a single father for 11 years now. I have 2 boys ages 15 and 12, so I started off young like you. Your blog inspired me to think back and remember all the good and bad times I have had rasing my 2 boys essentially on my own for the past 11 years. Imagine the stories I have becoming a young Dad as well as becoming a very young single Dad. I don’t write much, but I have descided today because of your blog to write a book about my experiences bringing up 2 boys from age 25 on my own. Thank you Peter.

  3. How’s it working out for you, mate? I was in a similar situation, and now I’m 29 with two kids and a steady job. I’ve never been out of the continental United States and it took me 6 years to get a 4 year degree. It’s a weird feeling to be bitter about losing your youth and independence while still loving the self-imposed reasons for doing so.

    Mike

  4. Hi Guys,

    I’m Dian, I am 24. I just found out yesterday that I will become a father soon. Right now I’m in a bit of mixed emotions, I don’t know what to do and i don’t know where to start. Yes, I know it was a blessing but still i believe that big responsibility is coming. I feel that i’m too young for this. Please, I need some advice.

    Thanks,

    Dian

  5. I never liked children until my son was born. I was 28 y/o, married for 4 years, was in paramedic school ( 1-12 hr day a week plus 600 hours of clinical time with the local Fire Dept and hospital), in the process of looking to buy a house and working full-time. The best and worst year of my life. I was running on fumes. I was terrified about being a dad, I was barely responsible for myself, let alone another person who depended on me 100%. But as soon as he was born, I fell in love and became a man. Everything had changed and for the better. I lived my teenage years and early 20s about 10 mins outside of Las Vegas and loved the bar hopping life. I gladly gave it all up. My son became the reason for living for me. He was all I thought about and the person I wanted to spend my time with. He is now 16 months old and my days off from work are spent with him ( my wife and I have separate days off). I try teaching him reading, playing the guitar and various other musical instruments, cook for him and it is awesome. It’s normal to be nervous and excited but don’t be scared. Everything will work itself out. They will tell you what is wrong, it may be crying but it’s simple… Tired, dirty diaper or hungry. Sometimes it’s just teething.. Give them frozen silver dollar pancakes and maybe a little Tylenol lol. Good luck all and remember.. It only gets better with time….

  6. Hello, I think it’s a little old blog but I turned 24 this year and just got a news from my girl that she’s pregnant.
    I don’t know what to do.I am running a business atm and I have so much to do in life since I’m just 24.but I’m not able to decide should I go for it or just leave it.

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