Rookie No More — Boot Camp for New Dads Creates Confident, Veteran Dad
June 2004 — "Boot Camp is a wonderful experience," says Geepcy Espino, one-time rookie dad who participated in the November 2003 session, then returned to the April 2004 session as a veteran dad with his 4-month old daughter Leyra. "It's men talking to men and sharing their experiences. With a new baby on the way, men can be afraid. No one ever taught us how to take care of babies, and we can be scared of not knowing what to do. Boot Camp helps us understand things like what to do when the baby cries, how to change diapers and how to bond with our baby. We even discuss bigger issues, like how to be more involved in our children's lives and be good role models. In three hours, we cover a lot!" According to Espino, the session even covers some secret topics for "men's ears only."
Taking what he learned and applying it, Espino has found fatherhood to be gratifying and not so scary after all. "We learn how to share responsibility with Mom and to work together as a family. When the baby is crying and Mom is tired, I take the baby from Mom, and sometimes that's all the baby wants — to be with Dad."
Espino's wife, Nazly Nardi, agrees. "He's a great father . from the minute Leyra was born, he's been right there. He changes her diapers, bathes her and even does the late-night feedings sometimes. While he might do things differently than I would, we both understand that, as long as it gets done and the baby is happy, we're both doing a good job. It's been a wonderful experience."