Daddy tips: Be a guide, a motivator, an inspiration

We'd asked you, dear readers, to tell us how you prepared yourself to become a father and share tips for dad-to-be Virat Kohli.
Sanket Mistry shares his experience and offers advice:

A new born is a blessing to every parent.

As a father, I would say it is a very different experience and a very different emotion.

A father doesn't carry the child in womb but he carries two children in his heart... his dear wife and his new born.

A father can't feel the pain, but still bears it every moment and lives those moments with his wife...

My story of being a father is just as rare and unique as every father’s is.

Being away miles from wifey before the actual day was so difficult for me.

Travelling every 15 days after the seventh month to my wifey was so beautiful.

Thinking about our new born, how he or she would look... There were a lot of emotions within me.

The feeling of leaving wifey broke my heart, but I had to do it every time till the ninth month was over.

I will never forget one particular Sunday -- June 30, 2013. My wife insisted that I should not go back.

But I had to.

The next day, July 1, I got the news of my baby's birth.

Without thinking about reservations or bookings, I flew back immediately.

Holding my baby girl in my arms that day itself was an incredible feeling that I will never forget.

Daughters are always special for fathers and I felt I was the luckiest father in the world.

I made a silent promise, that I would always be with her like a friend, like a coach, like a teacher.

A father is a guide, a motivator, an inspiration for his children.

Always be a hero to your children. Remember, they don't follow you, they observe you.

Our best wishes, Virat and Anushka, for your new born. These moments are unique and special. You will remember them forever.

Dads, tell us what those few days before your child was born was like?

What were the special things you did for your wife?

How did you get ready for the newest member of your family?

Do share your stories about the birth of your children.

Did you go on paternity leave?

What were your most memorable moments? And your most difficult?

What are the sacrifices you have made?

What is the one fatherhood lesson you have learnt that you would like to share?

Do you have tips for Virat Kohli? Share your experience with us.

Write in to getahead@rediff.co.in (Subject: Dad tips). Do mention your name, age, the place where you live and the year your child was born.

Please do share pictures of you with your baby.

And, till we beat the Coronavirus, stay safe. Wash your hands. Wear your mask. Maintain social distancing.