If you plan to have kids in the future, the man you marry will not only be your life partner, but also the father of your children. Although you believe your boyfriend is the one, you may still wonder if he’s father material. To help you determine whether or not he’ll be a good dad, here are 8 signs he’s cut out for parenthood. These traits, such as patience, kindness, and responsibility, are green flags that indicate he’ll be a top-notch caregiver.
1. He’s Patient
Kids know all the right ways to push their parents’ buttons, so men must be calm and even-keeled to be father material. If your man rarely seems inconvenienced or angered by life’s daily annoyances, he’ll probably be an amazing dad. Whether he’s sitting in traffic or waiting on hold on the phone, it’s a great sign if he’s usually calm, patient, and kind. Bonus points if he waits patiently for you to get ready, which will make him an amazing girl dad.
2. He Takes Care of His Responsibilities
If your man is crushing it at work and home, he’s probably father material. Kids can make daily life significantly messier, louder, and harder. But as long as he’s a high performer who takes care of his responsibilities, he’ll be up for the challenge. Men who are father material split the chores 50/50, manage their finances diligently, and generally stay on top of things. If your man is an equal contributor who doesn’t have to be reminded to load the dishwasher, you’ll both have an easier time transitioning to parenthood.
3. He’s Fun (But Not Reckless)
Your man is ready for parenthood if his idea of fun has become more low-key over the years. He would rather play video or board games on a Friday night than go out to the club. His silly sense of humor makes mundane chores like grocery shopping a pleasure. But his inner child shows up as playfulness and joyfulness, not recklessness. You know safety would be his number one priority during playtime, which makes him prime father material.
4. Great With Pets and Kids
Is your partner a fantastic dog dad to your German Shepherd? Does seeing him interact with other people’s children make you melt? If so, he may be father material. Observing your man around kids and animals gives you a preview of how he’ll behave with his own offspring. Look for green flags like kindness, attentiveness, and respectfulness. These traits indicate that he’ll be an excellent caregiver.
5. Takes Care of You When You’re Sick
Taking care of a baby sometimes requires you to have a strong stomach. Between dirty diapers and burping sessions, looking after an infant can be a little gross. If you’re wondering if your man is father material, think back to the last time you were really sick. Did he clean up without complaint and do a good job of making you feel supported? If so, he may be the perfect partner to tackle the journey of parenthood with.
6. He’s In Touch With His Emotions
In order to teach your kids how to manage their big feelings, you have to be in touch with your own. If your man embraces his softer side, he may be ready to nurture and emotionally support a child. As parents, you’ll also need to make important decisions about how to raise your kids together. So he must be able to communicate his feelings and values to you as you navigate parenting challenges together. Consider how you’ve handled hard times as a couple in the past to determine whether or not your man is father material.
7. He’s Affectionate
Most kids want lots of cuddles and hugs from their parents. These displays of affection help them feel securely attached to their caregivers. Studies have also shown that skin-to-skin contact helps lower stress hormones in babies. If your man dotes on you, it’s a good sign he’ll act the same way around your kids and provide the reassuring snuggles they need.
8. He’s a Great Problem-Solver
Babies aren’t always well-behaved. They may cry at inconvenient times or struggle with sleep training. In these stressful situations, you want an engaged partner who will work with you to find solutions. If your man is the type of person who rises to the occasion instead of getting overwhelmed, he may be father material.
Parenting Is a Team Sport
You want to give your future kids the best childhood possible. To achieve that goal, you need an active, involved partner by your side. Parenting is a team sport, so having the right person in your corner is essential. If you’re worried that your partner isn’t father material, he may not be the one you’re supposed to raise a family with.