If you are a parent or have simply been around a baby, you will know that they have two sides — the adorable and the not so adorable. I’ve heard a father call the latter the “evil side.”
Babies are beautiful creatures. Yet, we can also say at the same time they are frustrating and tiring. When they are tired, hungry, or simply for whatever reason are in a bad mood, it will be clear. You always know how a baby feels.
Although being a man, a mature human being is more complicated than simply not being a child or baby, there are some things we can learn. Here are a few characteristics of babies that help us understand what it means to be a mature human being and a successful man.
1. Understand priorities.
No one blames a baby for crying and shrieking when they’re in need. Being hungry, tired, or in need of a diaper change would make anyone grumpy. Especially the diaper change!
Although this does not suggest that adults do not have real and reasonable needs, grown-ups don’t cry when these things happen. Hangry, a term used to describe one’s anger due to their hunger, has become an all too common and comfortable word to describe oneself at times.
There are millions of people who are only able to eat at certain times or a less than adequate amount each day. For someone to justify their poor mood due to hunger is both childish and insulting to those in real need.
2. Give attention to loved ones.
Babies are fickle creatures. One moment they are completely enthralled with us, and then at another, they have no care for our existence. It can be easy to revert to treating people like babies do — giving attention only when we feel like it. But grown-ups give attention and love their partner, children, and loved ones whether or not they feel like it.
When someone tries to grab our attention or make eye contact, men do not ignore it look and another way. They do not continue playing with their toy, acting oblivious to the voice of mom and dad. Give your full attention to those you love.
3. Don’t take things personally.
Sometimes babies do things they shouldn’t simply because they don’t know any better. Maybe they’re allergic to peanuts and are about to grab hold of one from dad’s football snack bowl. Why dad is eating peanuts is a question that will not be addressed.
If you see your child reaching with not a moment to spare, you will scream and swap those peanuts out from their hands. Most likely, the baby will cry. They won’t understand what just happened and will think you’re either mad or cruel.
When we are confronted with our imperfections and mistakes, we should not take it personally. It’s not a baby’s fault for now knowing the concept of allergies. Likewise, it is, at times, not our fault for not knowing or understanding something.
Don’t get defensive or take things personally. Assume everything said comes from a place of love first, seeks to clarify, and come to an understanding.
Of course, being a man, a good partner, a parent, and a person is much more than having these three habits. But may every baby and child be a helpful reminder and gentle nudge toward being that kind of person.
Whenever we put our needs first, treat people poorly because of our mood, and take everything personally, may every infant and every child be a gentle and constant reminder of authentic manhood.
* * *
If you believe in the work we are doing here at The Good Men Project and want to join our calls on a regular basis, please join us as a Premium Member, today.
All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS.
Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here.
Talk to you soon.
Photo Credit: @priscilladupreez on Unsplash