Dear Future Fathers,

We understand your fears. You’ve heard how challenging it can be. You’ve been warned about the financial burdens. Some even suggest your children might turn against you as they grow older. These concerns are daunting, but they don’t define your future.

Be Scared, But Step Up Anyway

It’s natural to feel scared. The unknown often brings fear, and fatherhood is one of the greatest unknowns you’ll encounter. But here’s a crucial truth: being scared doesn’t mean you’re unprepared or incapable. It means you care deeply. And that care is what will make you an exceptional father.

Your Presence Matters More Than Money

In a society that equates financial stability with success, it’s easy to believe that being a good father is about providing material things. However, the truth is, your presence is more valuable than anything else. Your children will treasure the moments you spend with them, playing, talking, and simply being there. They might forget the times you couldn’t afford gifts, but they will always remember your love and attention.

Cherish the Moments

Children grow up quickly, and the moments you share with them will become lifelong memories. Be there for their first steps, their first words, and their first day of school. These moments are irreplaceable and far more precious than any material possession.

Accepting Responsibility Brings Joy

Embracing the responsibility of raising your children will bring immense joy and fulfillment. You’ll be amazed at the love and happiness they bring into your life. Challenges will arise, but the rewards will far outweigh them. You’ll laugh, learn, and grow alongside your children.

Fatherhood Will Make You a Better Person

Raising children will teach you patience, empathy, and resilience. It will push you to become the best version of yourself. Holding your children will help you grow into the man you need to be. You’ll discover strengths you never knew you had and a boundless capacity for love.

Embrace the Journey

Fatherhood is a journey filled with ups and downs, but it’s a journey worth taking. Embrace the fears and uncertainties, and step up for your children. Your presence, love, and dedication will shape their lives in ways you can’t even imagine.

To all the men afraid of becoming fathers, know that it’s okay to be afraid. But don’t let that fear hold you back. Your children need you, and you need them. Together, you’ll navigate the beautiful, challenging, and rewarding path of fatherhood.

With courage and love,

A pampered daddy’s girl

As the rainy season approaches, it’s vital to prioritize safety to prevent electrocution. The heightened risk of electrical accidents during this period underscores the importance of taking necessary precautions.

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has emphasized the need for customers to be vigilant about electrical safety. Francis Agoha, the acting Managing Director of IBEDC, highlighted this in an advisory issued on Thursday, stressing the increased dangers associated with the rainy season.

To avoid electrocution, IBEDC offers the following safety tips:

1. **Avoid Contact with Fallen Power Lines**: Heavy rains and storms can cause power lines to fall. Stay away from any fallen power lines and report them immediately to IBEDC or your local electricity provider’s emergency services.

2. Stay Clear of Flooded Areas: Flooded zones are particularly hazardous, especially where electrical equipment is involved. Avoid walking through flooded streets or touching electrical fixtures in these areas.

3. Inspect Your Surroundings: Regularly check that your home or business’s electrical connections are secure and protected from water. Be vigilant for exposed wires or faulty connections.

4. Use Protective Gear: When outdoors during heavy rainfall, wear rubber-soled shoes and avoid using metal objects to reduce the risk of electrical accidents.

5. Emergency Preparedness: Keep the emergency contact numbers of IBEDC or your electricity provider readily available.

If you encounter any electrical hazards or experience power disruptions, promptly contact IBEDC or your service provider for assistance.

Sylina Lyew, a licensed mental health therapist, shares her experiences as a highly sensitive person (HSP), shedding light on the traits that define such individuals, as elucidated by psychology researcher Elaine Aron. Here are seven signs that you might be a highly sensitive person:

1. **Sensory Sensitivities:**
HSPs often exhibit physical sensitivities, being bothered by elements like uncomfortable clothing, strong odors, or loud noises. While there’s an overlap with sensory sensitivities in ADHD and autism, being highly sensitive doesn’t imply having these diagnoses.

2. **Emotional Environment Awareness:**
HSPs are not only attuned to their physical surroundings but also highly sensitive to emotional environments. They might easily pick up on people’s moods and sense tension in a room, sometimes leading to emotional exhaustion.

3. **Need for Recharge:**
Due to the likelihood of feeling overwhelmed by stimuli, HSPs may experience burnout faster. They often require more time to replenish their energy, whether through alone time or deep conversations.

4. **Preference for Deep Friendships:**
HSPs tend to crave deeper connections, prioritizing fewer, long-lasting relationships over superficial ones. Small talk, while sometimes necessary, can drain their energy.

5. **Emotional Processing Time:**
Processing emotions takes time for HSPs. They may need space and time to calm down, especially after emotionally charged situations or arguments.

6. **Pressure and Stress:**
HSPs typically struggle under pressure, as overstimulation can cause stress and impact performance, such as in standardized tests or high-pressure situations.

7. **Excel in Certain Professions:**
While it’s a stereotype that HSPs are always artsy, their hyper-perceptiveness can help them excel in various professions, allowing them to spot issues and excel in roles like teaching, management, or parenting.

Understanding one’s high sensitivity can be empowering, allowing individuals to manage and leverage their sensitivity as a strength.