Does becoming a father change you?

[Hopeful30]

I've only ever understood parenthood from a female perspective: impregnation, 9 months gestation (and all the important care you must take of yourself during this period), LABOUR, then spending the rest of your life loving and worrying about a person more than you have ever imagined. It's an experience from the innermost part of ourselves on every level (physical, mental, emotional, personal, spiritual, etc.)

What about fatherhood? For those of you with children, how has this role changed you (if at all)? 

Does the dynamic in your relationship (bond, patience, responsibility, etc.) shift? If so, how?

[Weezy1973]

The biggest thing is the sense of responsibility to your children and wife. When I didn’t have kids, I could quit a job if I didn’t like it and take my time getting another one because it really was only me that I was “hurting”. Now I’m responsible for a family, so that’s not an option. 
 

There’s definitely more worry, both for my wife and kids. I’m lucky to have a great wife, and my kids are “easy” relatively speaking. No health issues, either mental or physical. 
 

I’d say another difference is the sense of team work in the marriage. We both take turns with the kids (still under school age) so we each get some “me” time as well as each doing our chores around the house. It’s drawn us closer together. 
 

There’s also a sense that despite the worry and strong emotions, I have to remain calm and strong no matter what as my wife and kids are relying on me. There’s some pressure there, but as so far nothing has really gone wrong, it’s been pretty easy to deal with.

[mark clemson]

^^^^^  what he said. You have to become more responsible. You have new (small) people in your life who you love in a different kind of way.