Fathers To Be Are Learning The Basics

Strengthening the American family by sending fathers to boot camp is now possibility thanks to the Rogers county health department.<br> <br>Veteran fathers are packing their bottles, blankets and diapers

Saturday, August 21st 1999, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Strengthening the American family by sending fathers to boot camp is now possibility thanks to the Rogers county health department.

Veteran fathers are packing their bottles, blankets and diapers and bringing their babies to teach expectant fathers how to be better men.

It's all part of Oklahoma's first and only dad's camp.

A baby girl's blue eyes can be one of the world's most beautiful sights.

But, we all know it takes a lot of work to keep a happy look in these eyes.

"It's like making a 40 hour work week into a 84 hour work week," says father Robert Williams.

Williams says he took a crash course on learning how to take care of his daughter Savannah and help his wife.
That's why he wants to teach other guys how to hit the ground crawling when their first baby is born... and it's time to burp.

Welcome to Bootcamp for New Dads. The camraderie comes from veteran fathers giving tips to rookie dads.

The veterans bring their own young ones along, which can offer a dizzying preview of things to come for the fathers-to-be.

"I'm worried about getting the baby to sleep through the night," says a father to be.

And the rookies learn more than just the basics...
The men learn about bicycling to help the baby burp...

Veteran fathers say, in their boot camp, a little guidance can go a long way to paving a smoother path for parenthood.