1. He helps around the house.
Sure, he might not know how to properly load a dishwasher, but if he’s more than happy to throw a few chickens on the Foreman for dinner and put away his own boxer briefs, he’ll be a hands-on dad who’s down for bath time. Parenting is no joke, so the more he helps now, the more helpful — and nurturing — he’s likely to be with a kid.
2. He’s great under pressure.
When you got lost on that hike in the middle of the rainforest, did he break out in hives and resign himself to sudden death Or did he make like a Survivor contestant, spear a fish, and serve you an alfresco dinner atop a log If it’s the latter, he will have no problem handling a screaming baby at 2 a.m.
3. He’s doesn’t take life too seriously…
Having a silly, playful side will make him a fun dad who isn’t afraid to bust out some baby talk, become BFFs with Sophie the Giraffe, and make your baby laugh really hard.
4. …but he has his stuff together.
Maybe he has a 401(K) or remembers to change the carbon monoxide detector. Perhaps he has the cable bill on auto-pay, or moves you out of the way when you’re jaywalking and you’re about to get hit by a car. This is not to say that you’re not also financially sound or able to snake a drain, but these are some pretty sexy, very responsible adult moves that come in real handy when your man becomes a dad.
5. He’s had a dog.
This isn’t essential, but a proven ability to clean up another creature’s pee andor vomit because you love himher so much is a valuable skill set for fatherhood.
6. He’s sensitive to your needs…
He encourages you to brunch with your friends or go get a manipedi (with extra chair massage!) when you’re stressed. If he often considers your well-being ahead of his own and just wants you to be happy and sane, this total gem will continue to do so post-baby — for you and the kids. If he’s already selfless, he’s got a sweet head start on fatherhood.
7. …but he’s no pushover.
You’re about to conclude a diatribe on why your boss is making you come in before 11 a.m. when — boom — he calls you completely ridiculous. And that fight with your mom He’s not sorry to tell you that it really was your fault. It isn’t always fun, but this man calls you out, makes you see things differently, and overall makes you a better human being. Just imagine his positive effect on your child!
8. He’s a self-starter.
This résumé trait is also a value add for fatherhood. If he independently decides the two of you should go on a mini-vacay and plans the whole thing, or takes it upon himself to start training for a half-marathon, whether or not you’re joining (and you’re not, thanks very much), he has the chops for challenging tasks like buckling a child into a car seat or dressing her in a onesie with approximately 400 snaps — all without your supervision. Great dads don’t need moms watching them watch the baby.
9. He was a Junior Olympic swimmeris a black belthas a photographic memorykicks butt at Scrabble … or all of the above.
If you’re going to be raising a baby together, a special talent and the accompanying good genes might be nice. Being able to teach your daughter to karate-chop through a wooden block How cool would that be
10. He has a big heart.
Look, he’s not perfect. No man is. But he surprises you with flowers when you’re feeling blue or volunteers at the local hospital or tells his grandpa he loves him when he gets off the phone with him. He’s loving and thoughtful, and above all else, that’s what will make him a future Father of the Year.
11. He wants to be a good dad.
Obvious, I realize, but if during your deep convos he voices his desire to be a great dad some day, that’s huge. It doesn’t matter if he has absolutely no experience with kids and has never even held a baby in his entire life. If he genuinely wants to be a great dad, there’s a high probability he’s going to nail it. Just beware Watching him do it one day will melt your heart.
BDST: 1659 HRS, MAR 09, 2015
