For all the Dad's out there.........

[ESKO]

I need some suggestions on a really good "Dad to be" book. I have read reviews online from Amazon, but I am dissapointed to say, many of the books I looked at have a majority of their review written by women.
That is all good and well, but in this time I need the help of real men which have read these books and have had a good outcome from them.
While I understand nothing can "REALLY" prepare you for a child, I would appreciate any help along the way.
I need books that will help me learn about all the things I have to do, how to best interact with a new baby, and aditionally how to best interact with mom.
Thanks everyone.

[Art 1]

It will all come naturally to you, don't worry. This from a father of three.

[dubyatf]

Sounds silly but, read top-rated books written by/for women. Seriously. It will help you understand what Mom is going through too and she'll need your support whatever the situation is.

"Good luck" (with the part you might be stressed about) and "congratulations" (with the part you that you know will be fine but is likely more wonderful than you can imagine)!! :)

[Lion]

I would just go to a book store and look in the section about pregnancy and babies as there are some books written toward the fathers to be out there.........and always love their mother!!!

[Dr.B]

Luis, congratulations!!!!!
As far as a father to be book....hmmmm my best advice is to get a good financial planner and start saving for college. May sound crazy but it is the truth.

You may also want to look into:

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by Dr.B

Luis, congratulations!!!!!
As far as a father to be book....hmmmm my best advice is to get a good financial planner and start saving for college. May sound crazy but it is the truth.

You may also want to look into:

Good advice. My Son is a senior in college, we had his paid. The baby is a senior in HS and going away to school this summer. Hers is already paid for.

[ctc1010]

Agree with the above two posters. A lot of things will come naturally, and your baby will have his/her own personality so books written by others based on their experiences may not apply. The one constant- the need for financial planning.

For a good basic primer on babies, though, you can check out the "What to Expect" series (What to Expect When You're Expecting, What to Expect the First Year, etc.). These books give some good basic guidelines for both mothers and fathers.

[ParisDakarBmw]

Your already there. The men who care enough to study how to be a good dad, already are. You'll watch things a few times and it will come quick. I know your nervous, but everyone is. I had my first chils 20 months ago, and it wasn't bad at all. Just pay attention to the ladies, and how they do things. You'll be fine! I think it's called love or something!

[ducatidoc]

Originally Posted by Art 1

It will all come naturally to you, don't worry. This from a father of three.

Art is quoting the gospel here, do as he says.

For good instructional advice, written for women but also good for men to read, check out the various "Girlfriends Guide to_______________ " books by Vicki Iovine. They're funny and very informative, and you'll be glad you did. There's one for pregnancy, and one for the first year, one for Mom getting back into shape, etc. Good stuff for guys to be aware of. Remember: if Mom is miserable, you will be too - she'll make sure of it. Trust me on this.

[East Bay Rider]

Remember that you're an equal 1/2 of the baby's parents. You have the capacity to feel the same things and care for the baby the same as any other. Be nurturing, be soft and also be protective like a bear. Do more than your share. The way your baby sees you is unlike anything you've ever experienced. Live up to it. Protect that.

[ESKO]

Hey guys, I want to say a heartfelt thanks. I am really nervous! The advice is great, so I think financial planning is my first thing on the agenda. I do worry, so I will look into the publications suggested. It is just so much to imagine. I mean I am thrilled, but just so darn nervous. Well thanks again keep any advice coming in please!
I know I'll do fine, and I want to do the best I can for the both of them.
Alright, onto more reading LOL!

[Widows Son]

We're expecting our first on our first anniversary (Oct 16TH)!!! My mom just bought me "Fatherhood" by Bill Cosby. Just started it so I can't really comment.

[dalip]

Hmmmn...can't help you with a book I'm afraid....
But...you have a load of experience already - by virtue of being you.
Lots of touch...lots.
Support your partner.
Smile....loads.
Do what's in your heart...listen to your intuition.

[gelshocker]

Originally Posted by Art 1

It will all come naturally to you, don't worry. This from a father of three.

I agree. It's more like trial and error, and you discover more about yourself than ever before. Like tolerance levels and making sure their mother is happy (as mentioned by ducatidoc too).

Also you'll view the world with new eyes: what was once your grail SS Daytona is now your child's inheritance. Or college fund

[DanP]

oops wrong thread LOL

[DanP]

Originally Posted by dalip

Hmmmn...can't help you with a book I'm afraid....
But...you have a load of experience already - by virtue of being you.
Lots of touch...lots.
Support your partner.
Smile....loads.
Do what's in your heart...listen to your intuition.

Sounds A+

[dalip]

Originally Posted by DanP

Sounds A+

Thanks Dan....

[idk01]

Congrats Luis My wife Jen just has one quotable for you as a future Dad :-) "He must be hungry" hehehehe to all the Dads out there who's wives breast feeding will know what I mean

Books, I can hep you there, Both Jen and I stormed through many, many books, we're both eternal students and love to read, the two that topped our list were:

Baby Steps by Claire B. Kopp and The Baby Whisperer by Tracey Hogg, now remember every baby is going to be different, as we have found with our two, Raiyne my 3.5 y/o was a terror for the first year, yet Riley now 7 weeks old is an absolute angel, sleeps all the time, gives his Dad all the smiles in the world, believe me that first smile you will NEVER forget (not the fake I have wind ones) but the 4-5 week I see you and I have a smile for you :-)

Best of luck, and remember there are plenty of us Dad's here, you need anything let us know.



Dave.


PS, Where is Greg (Mosco) Come one Greg, Twins, deep end, you must have read something out there

[Renoir]

Big congrats Luis!

Already mentioned here, but it's inate. Sometimes all these books make one tend to overthink things....better to go with instinct.

[Boopie]

I'm not a dad, but I'm married to one... :)

I enthusiastically recommend "On Becoming Babywise" by Ezzo (and a co-author). It's about how to get your child to sleep through the night after 6 weeks or so, but it also sets forth a philosophy of parenting, scheduling, and discipline, e.g. child-centered versus parent-centered. Next, you get the sequels "Toddlerwise," "Childwise," etc. They worked really well for us. My husband has recommended the book to his male buddies who were fathers-to-be, and they all swear by it. It helps for you and your wife to discuss how lax or structured you and your wife want to be in raising your child. It is very important to discuss and implement parenting philosophies, as this is a potential source of a large amount of strife.

[lavaman]

The American Academy of Pediatrics "Your Baby's First Year"
-excellent read

For becoming a new dad....

"Rebuilding the Indian" - Fred Haeffel (yea its about bikes, but stay with it, ok?)


And of course, if you have a son:

Anything Calvin and Hobbes

[Skullring]

A couple of books that I would recommend are Boys should be boys and Strong Fathers strong daughters by Dr. Meg Meeker.

Theodore Hesburgh said. The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.

By searching out knowledge to help you be a good father tells me you already are and didn't even know it.

Congratulations my friend.

[marie]

Originally Posted by Skullring

By searching out knowledge to help you be a good father tells me you already are and didn't even know it.

X2

Your heart is in the right place and that is refreshing to see.
So often men are too analytical and over think things. Be practical yes, but lead with your heart always.
Congratulations!

[m_later]

Not a dad book per se, but some of my friends have been thrilled with teaching their baby sign language - http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Signs-Com...0880833&sr=8-8

You probably have a while before worrying about that though