The New Dad's Survival Guide: Man-to-Man Advice for First-Time Fathers (Paperback)

by Scott Mactavish (Author) "ESTABLISH A PLAN and make provisions for your transformation from clueless civilian to competent father..." (more)
Key Phrases: survival tip, Scott Mactavish, Survival Guide

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Mactavish presents a useful-though by no means comprehensive-guide for any dad-to-be who doesn't care about details and just wants to learn what's going to happen when his partner gives birth and how he should go about changing a diaper. The author is no doctor; he's "just a dude who's been through it twice," and his lingo-"BCF" means "be cool, fool" (borrowed from Mr. T.); "FPP" is your "female parenting partner"; an "NFU" is a "new family unit"-is appropriately casual. The book covers the most basic of parenting skills from birth through three months, with a few toddler tips thrown in. It's humorous (or insensitive, depending on one's point of view) in its approach. For example, on postpartum depression, Mactavish warns "PPD is a beaucoup serious condition that can have a devastating effect on the FPP." Although most of the book's advice seems quite obvious, tips on assisting a partner in labor ("offer backrubs on a consistent basis"), helping a baby pass gas (or "dislodge an air biscuit") and preventing diaper rash ("keep the butt dry after bathing") will be of use to any new father.
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Product Description
Mactavish presents a useful-though by no means comprehensive-guide for any dad-to-be who doesn't care about details and just wants to learn what's going to happen when his partner gives birth and how he should go about changing a diaper. The author is no doctor; he's "just a dude who's been through it twice," and his lingo-"BCF" means "be cool, fool" (borrowed from Mr. T.); "FPP" is your "female parenting partner"; an "NFU" is a "new family unit"-is appropriately casual. The book covers the most basic of parenting skills from birth through three months, with a few toddler tips thrown in. It's humorous (or insensitive, depending on one's point of view) in its approach. For example, on postpartum depression, Mactavish warns "PPD is a beaucoup serious condition that can have a devastating effect on the FPP." Although most of the book's advice seems quite obvious, tips on assisting a partner in labor ("offer backrubs on a consistent basis"), helping a baby pass gas (or "dislodge an air biscuit") and preventing diaper rash ("keep the butt dry after bathing") will be of use to any new father. --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (January 6, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316159956
• ISBN-13: 978-0316159951
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #116,455 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For Men Written by a Man, January 10, 2006

By	DR (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

My wife and I are expecting in 3 months. This book is Outstanding. There are innumerable pregnancy books written by women. The last thing I wanted to read was a book written by a chick telling me I needed to rub my wife's feet every night.

This book gives it to you straight and tells you what to expect. It's very informative and I especially appreciate the "Critical Survival Tips." The author mixes in humor to make the book much more interesting. I feel much more prepared and educated than I ever thoughtI would. Now if I can just make it through the birth!

A must read for any new dad.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FANTASTIC HELPER FOR DADS, February 19, 2007

By	Eric "Info Hound" (NYC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The New Dad's Survival Guide : Man-to-Man Advice for First-Time Fathers (Paperback)

I've gone through a number of these types of books and this one is by far the best one out there. The author keeps it light, at the same time conveying what's really important to the new dad with honesty and a brutal sense of humor. It makes the new dad feel like he has some company in this new and alien experience of having kids. After reading it, I recommended it to all my buddies whoare in the same boat. It truly takes the edge off of first time fatherhood. Nice job!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book-but it's humor not a definitive guide, February 13, 2007

By	BHoP (Balto, MD) - See all my reviews

This is a quick funny read; perfect for the new dad with little time. Mr. Mactavish has done an outstanding job of conveying the feelings and fears of new dads from personal experience. The book,however, is meant to 1)reassure the new dad that we've all been there and 2) give insights into certain events that are yet to come (Particularly liked the circumcision description-OUCH!). Take the negative comments about this book with a grain of salt. It's humor, not a guide on new parenting. Highly recommended.