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.
Hari Krishnan Nair from Chennai shares his parenting experience:
I embraced fatherhood the moment my first child was born.
Feeling like a father is supposed to be easy and I felt an instant connection when I held my children -- Sahana is eight and Yeswanth is seven now -- for the first time.
I think it took hearing my daughter and son repeatedly call me "DAD" -- as they do so many times each day now -- to etch the new meaning onto my soul and for me to believe that the four of us are together forever.
There is no greater feeling on earth than that of being a dad because the feeling of bringing life into this world is completely overwhelming.
As a dad, you are your kids's own personal superhero.
They will love you, admire you and always count on you throughout their lives.
They look up to you and learn many things about life simply by watching your every move.
There is sense of pride you feel when you think about them.
It is completely natural for you to love everything about your children that makes them unique and special.
You dream teaching them to love the things that you love.
You'll see the inheritance you bestowed upon your children in your grandchildren one day.
When your children giggle and smile, you see yourself in them, thinking proudly about all the things they are capable of doing.
As a dad, you need to spend quality play time with your kids.
Sometimes you are forced to play childish games with them.
Make sure that your children know you love them no matter what.
Don't confuse this with permissiveness. Unconditional love does nothing to encourage the wrong kind of behaviour. In fact, kids who are secure in their father's love tend to act out less, not more.
Children don't want another buddy, they want a dad. They want someone who thinks things through, makes tough decisions and engages life with responsibility. Someone they can count on.
My wife and kids are gifts from above where there is joy, strength, responsibility, care, hope peace and love.
God bless all fathers across the globe.
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.
