As with everything in life, there’s definitely a learning curve for new stay-at-home dads. The change can feel overwhelming.

But stay cool, Mr. Newbie! Use the following expert tips to stay on task as the latest stay-at-home dad:

• Take a little time to enjoy your newfound freedom. Now that you’re a stay-at-home dad, your schedule has completely changed. Take a minute to smell the flowers. Enjoy the small things like not having to wear a tie every day. Try something like going to the movies in the middle of the afternoon, just to see what it feels like.
• However, don’t get derailed by your new relaxed schedule for too long. Both your kids and your wife need you. So take your newfound freedom for a ride around the proverbial block for a few days, then get back into your new schedule as soon as possible.
• Have one new pastime organized for each day. Even though you’re a newbie stay-at-home dad, I’m confident that you can plan at least one organized activity each day with your kids. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Dig out toys and games that haven’t been used in a while. Or set up a simple arts and crafts project using materials that are already in your home.
• Remember that simple is good. When your kids are small, what they often want most is to be able to spend time with you. The activity is secondary. Enjoy your newfound stay-at-home dad time with your kids.
• Be an active parent. You can organize play dates with other stay-at-home parents and also join activity groups that parents and their children can participate in together. One of the benefits of being a stay-at-home dad is that you can try out new activities and meet other stay-at-home parents. Because your priorities have changed in terms of scheduling, you can really expand your horizons.
• Don’t forget to make time for yourself. This is often a classic newbie stay-at-home-dad mistake. In your desire to do everything 110%, you don’t take a breather from your daily parenting activities.
• Your kids’ naptime is a great opportunity to do things like read or enjoy a cup of coffee. A great stay-at-home dad makes sure to carve out some time each day for himself. It doesn’t have to be a lot. But recharging is important, especially when you’re new to the stay-at-home dad scene.
• Enjoy your kids! The old cliché that they grow up too quickly really is true. The quest for a stay-at-home dad isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about creating perfect moments with your kids over the course of the day. Think about doing things like making a memory book with your kids about your first year at a stay-at-home dad—include funny pictures and stories about some of your adventures and misadventures together.

Over time, your status as a newbie stay-at-home dad will pass. My recommendation is to be patient with yourself as well as be able to laugh at yourself. A sense of humor is what will really help you that first year as a stay-at-home dad!

Reference: http://BusinessTM.com/about/erik-cornella/