To Invite or not to Invite the Dad to the Shower
Posted by Randy Wilson
Do you invite dad to the baby shower? As per the old tradition,
the baby showers are ladies only celebrations and generally
the dad did not attend them. However, he would arrive at the end
of the baby shower to greet and thank all the baby shower guests
and the hostess.
But these days, it's becoming more and more common to include
men in the baby showers along with friends, spouses, and
relatives. Again it is a personal choice. Only the hostess needs
to decide whether you want a traditional ladies only shower
with lots of girly talks and personal pregnancy stories. Or
whether you're looking for a more non-traditional baby shower.
Nothing is either wrong or right. But rather it is all about
everyone enjoying themselves no matter what type of shower you
want to host. If you do plan on inviting the dad-to-be, it would
be a good idea to know him better, his personality type, what
food he likes, beverages, what his friends are like,
availability etc. There are a few men who get pale by the mere
thought of being around so many women. Especially knowing this
is traditionally an all female event.
If you do decide to invite the father-to-be. Then it would be a
kind gesture to also invite several of his male friends. You
might also have some nice "manly" type food and beverages to
make them more comfortable. After all, it takes a rather daring
man to come to what is traditionally an all female event. It
would also be a good idea to include some games that men and
women both would enjoy.
For many reasons, the couples shower (where men and women both
are invited) is an appropriate way to celebrate a new baby.
First, the new daddy has as much reason to celebrate and to be
congratulated as the mom-to-be. Second, daddy may enjoy opening
the presents as much as mom, maybe more so. Thirdly, if the baby
shower isn't held at their home, mommy will need dad to help
load up the presents and drive her home. After all, she hasn't
had the baby yet, and will probably be pretty tired by the end
of the baby shower.
While this may be a new tradition, some men may actually enjoy
the baby shower as much as the women. Although I doubt that most
fathers-to-be would ever admit it to anyone, dad has to keep up
that "macho" image after all.
It would be a nice touch to include gifts that are special for
dad. Even though the gifts are usually gifts for the baby, and
the occassional gift for the mom, dad wouldn't mind one or two
for himself. Just don't let on that you know that. Let him keep
his pride.
Generally, anyone who was invited to the wedding can be invited
to the baby shower. Remember, this is a joyous celebration and
you should spread joy, blessings and happiness to everyone that
has an interest in the family.
© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.
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