[p. henry]

My eldest was born when I was 38, my youngest when I was 39.

I believe men in their 30's and 40's on the whole are better fathers than younger men. They may have slightly less energy, but they have more patience, wisdom, tolerance and perspective, and when you are changing a diaper at 3:00 in the morning, patience is more important than energy.

As to hints, if you are musical, singing a child to sleep is not a bad idea. I remember with great fondness walking slowly around our baby's room in the wee hours singing to a restive child on my shoulder. To this day my daughters, who are now in their mid to late teens sometimes ask me to sing for them at night. Also, it may trite, but it is also true that the greatest gift you can give your child is your time, generally as much as possible. Finally, challenge your child. Don't be overly protective. Have confidence in his or her skills, even when there is little basis for that confidence.

Congratulations. You are about to enter the best years of your life. Sometimes I find myself regreting that those times are pretty much past for me.

There is no duty more compelling than being a father. There is no title more honorable than "Dad."

[Da_Shrimp]

Thanks again to everyone for all the advice and congratulations, I wish I could reply individually to eveyone, but I'm reading every word, I assure you!

[dha]

"There is no duty more compelling than being a father. There is no title more honorable than "Dad."

Well said. :)

[Obadiah]

You are a wise man.

To this day my daughters, who are now in their mid to late teens sometimes ask me to sing for them at night.

(Clears lump in throat)

[Da_Shrimp]

There is no title more honorable than "Dad."

What a fantastic thing to say. Thank you so much for that!