Daddy Tips: 'Don't shout or scream at kids'

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.
Brijesh Pillai from Mumbai shares his learnings:

I believe that a father should be equally involved in the child's growing up years as much as a mother.

Most of us believe that kids need us only when they are small. But truth be told, kids constantly need the love and support from parents, more as a friend than an adult.

When you become a father, you will realise that kids replicate their parents'S actions.

Most of the time you don't have to teach them; they learn and copy what they feel is right. Most kids see their father as a role model, someone they admire.

It doesn't matter if you are a clerk or the CEO of the company, you will always be your child's hero.

Similarly, you also have to teach them to respect every job and treat every person with dignity, irrespective of age, gender and profession.

Your kid may be small but they have their own ideas and opinions on everything they see and do.

You must be careful about your temper and know how to manage your emotions when you are around kids. Don't shout or scream at them or vent your emotions on them.

Basically, no one comes prepared to be a parent. So you have to take one step at a time and understand parenting as a learning process.

Our parents never went through parenting classes yet we can bet on their parenting skills.

Just remember that each parent is just as unique as every kid.

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.