Support and tips for being the best Dad you can be

Being a dad is a lifelong role, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but we have advice to guide and support you to be the best father you can be. 

Bonding with your child

Bonding is the name given to the powerful attachment that develops between parents and their children. It’s the foundation of a strong relationship. Some dads feel that deep connection instantly, while for others, it may take time and that’s completely normal. 

Ways to build a strong bond with your baby or child: 

• Cuddle often: Cuddling benefits us all and sharing hugs will help keep you bonded (World Economic Forum, 2021). When your little one is a newborn skin-to-skin contact is particularly beneficial helping babies feel calm and secure. There’s also evidence that you could also benefit, with one study finding it reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in fathers (Anglia Ruskin University, 2025)

• Talk, read and sing to your baby: Don’t worry that they might not understand your words. Tell them about your day and talk to them about what you’re doing as you do it. Read to them and sing songs. Nursery rhymes are a good learning tool but if you don’t know any don’t worry, sing songs you like. Hearing your voice helps them learn and feel close to you. 

• Carry your baby in a sling: This is sometimes called babywearing. It helps babies feel calm and can help them learn (Williams and Turner, 2020). RoSPA have advice on using slings safely.

• Play together: Have fun and enjoy spending time together. Try to set aside time each day you're together to ignore distractions and give your child your full attention. Maybe you could go for a walk, play a game together or do some cooking. Even 15 minutes of one-on-one time a day can make a big impact on a child and your relationship. 

Being a stepdad 

Families come in all shapes. Blended families are formed when you and your partner decide to live together with children from previous relationships. As a stepdad or partner of someone with children your role is just as important and sometimes, more complex. 

Tips for blended families: 

• Try to create some simple family rules that everyone can follow. Keep in mind that children may be used to different routines or expectations, especially in blended families. It can help to sit down with your partner first to agree on the rules, boundaries, and consequences you both feel are fair and realistic. Once you're decided, hold a family meeting to talk through these together. This helps ensure all children are treated equally and understand what’s expected, creating a more positive environment. 

• Be patient. Building trust with stepchildren takes time, it won’t happen overnight. 

• Be respectful if your child has another parent in another home. Don’t undermine their decisions or talk about them negatively to your child. 

Helping your children adjust to new siblings 

Whether it’s a new biological baby sibling or a stepbrother or sister, children can sometimes find it difficult to adjust to sharing their parent with another child. Some families may have less time and money to spend on each child for things such as toys, games and activities. Just sharing their space and belongings with somebody new can be a daunting and unsettling experience for some children. Recognise differences in ages and be aware that some children will need their own space at times. 

Feeling like a family unit will occur in time. Be open and honest with your partner about things you notice are challenging to ensure you can work together to address things as they arise. Doing enjoyable things together as a whole family will strengthen relationships and can be a lot of fun. There are lots of examples online of games to play that don’t need you to spend money. 

It’s important to give all children the same amount of positive attention to create a home that promotes fairness and fun. Try and spend some quality time with each child, even 15 minutes a day will make a big difference. 

Managing your own wellbeing 

Being a dad can be incredibly rewarding and also exhausting. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, especially in the early stages or during big life changes. 

If your partner is pregnant or has recently given birth, it’s natural to focus on their wellbeing but your mental health matters too. Many partners experience emotional and mental health challenges during this time. (Mind, 2024)

It’s important to remember that you and your partner need to take care of each other, as well as taking care of your new baby. Be kind to each other, share responsibilities and try to remember that you’re a team. Talk about how you're feeling with a friend, partner, or professional. Try and carve out some time for self-care like some exercise or a hobby you enjoy, and support your partner to do the same. 

Want some more support finding your feet with fatherhood? 

• Dad Matters is a locally led service, run by charity Home-Start, that helps dads build strong relationships with their babies.  

• Dope Black Dads is a digital safe space that supports Black fathers. You can find them on Dope Black Dads on Instagram or listen to their podcast. 

• CBeebies has a guide to good mental health for new Dads as well as other articles you may find useful.  

• If you’re in Scotland, the charity Dads Rock provides Dads and families with the tools they need to give their child the best possible start in life. 

• Charity Fatherhood Institute has factsheets on your legal and employment rights as a father, ideas about important things to focus on, and some useful sources of advice and support. 

All of the information on this page was created with practising health professionals. This page was reviewed in December 2025. We will next review the page in 2028.