Customer Reviews

Father's First Steps: 25 Things Every New Dad Should Know

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I'm not quite a father yet, but will be soon. I've read a few of these new father books, and many are just terrible -- full of lame jokes, and treating us like we're bumbling, beer-swilling, EPN-watching idiots. This is the first one of these that gave me what I was looking for -- straight, no-nonsense info (with some quiet humor included) about diaper-changing, baby-holding, money-saving, and pep-talk advice on being an involved dad, and treating us like we have the intelligence, humor and eagerness to raise a child. Don't let the cutesy-poo cover and illustrations put you off, this is a great book for dads AND moms (my wife loved it too).

I first heard about this book when Dr. Bob appeared on CNN American Morning. I've already purchased several copies for friends who are expecting or have new babies at home. The dads (and moms!) love it - great, common sense advice that helps dads feel at-ease with the new baby. I highly recommend this book!

I wish I could have read this before my twin boys were born. The style was honest and fun while giving simple and straight forward pro-tips. It is a quick and enjoyable read. The practical content answers a number of key questions, I had as a new father.

We really love this book. It is casual and easy going. No insincere talk or boring chapters. Each chapter is well thought out and has a great point to make. Also it is based in the real world that I live in. The authors understand the issues that normal people deal with in a daily grind because they too have done it. My boyfriend and I read a chapter to each other every night or so before we go to sleep. It has become a very nice bonding and laugh time for us. We love it!

...this should not be it. Of the five or so parenthood books I've now read, this is easily the worst. Sure, there are all of those "humorous" books out there that reduce men to beer-craving, sports-obsessed, single cell organisms capable only of making babies, not caring for them. Books like that are bad but they are also easy to spot and avoid by their titles and cover art. FATHER'S FIRST STEPS is far more insidious. It lures you in with its cutesy, earnest cover art and the authors' credentials and its easy-reading format. Once inside, however, you will find a judgemental tone, lackluster, humorless writing and the subtle implication that you are a beer-craving, sports-obsessed single cell organism who can appear otherwise if you follow their personal opinions on how to raise your child. And if you don't follow their 25 steps, they assure you that you are a deeply subpar parent. I don't know who needs that sort of negative reinforcement in their life before welcoming a child into the world but I certainly don't. After I finished reading this infuriating little tome, I moved onto other books that offered more balanced, less judgemental views and as it turns out, there is more than one correct way to raise a child. Ranging from the clinical to the enjoyable, check out the following: the materials offered on[...], THE EXPECTANT FATHER and BE PREPARED: A PRACTICAL HANDBOOK FOR NEW DADS.

Thank you Doctor Sears for your book!! This is a book for men and women alike. You tell it like it is and give the men the information they really need. I'm sure there are many others that will be in line to thank you. Tina Klatt. Mother of 3.

My husband was a little leery of sitting through reading the "typical" baby books together. But, he really liked the approach these authors took - they pride themselves on trying to be funny, but the information is very valuable. We like the "hands-on" approach they recommend with newborns, and my husband has even marked pages for future reference, especially regarding the hospital stay and the importance of personal contact. He's already recommended this to friends, so I guess it goes without saying that "Yes, we'd recommend this to others." We're posting this review as we put their next book in our shopping cart.

I bought this book for my husband in anticipation of our first baby, and I think I'm getting as much out of it as he is! Lots of great, practical advice in short, readable chapters. It provides dads-to-be with coping strategies for everything from fussy babies to overexcited mothers and mothers-in-law, and encourages them to play an equal role in the process from day one. I found it to be very helpful in getting a glimpse of the father's possible mindset- how he might feel, react, and how to best share the joys of parenting. 5 stars!

My husband was very nervous anticipating the arrival of our first child. A few friends had bought him some other books however he did not read one. I believe this was because each had to be at least 300 plus pages and this was intimidating. This book is an easy read but consise. I would recommend this book to anyone with a husband needing a little assurance that they will be a good dad - just need to be themselves.

What a wonderful approach to fatherhood! Humor is a great tool to teach about sometimes sensitive topics and it makes reading quite a bit more enjoyable! Having 4 children of our own we feel this book is a must for all new fathers!!