The 6th Month of Fatherhood
All kinds of dads. Fathers' Forum welcomes gay fathers, husbands parenting together, single dads, adoptive and foster dads, and every family where men are raising children. Bruce's original book often described heterosexual couples; these pages are updated for today's families — including how gender, masculinity, and parenting roles are changing. Swap in your own names and situation wherever the text mentions a partner's pregnancy or birth.
You've been a dad for half a year — on-the-job training is paying off.
Check in: is caregiving connection or chore?
Scheduling tension is common — babies keep changing.
Each partner may expect the other to parent as their family did. Build your family's unique way together.
Tolerance for change is the key survival skill at six months.
For your baby
- Notice your baby's feelings when they play.
- A stationary walker may help them stand with support.
For your partner
- Talk about parenting styles you grew up with.
- Share what you each love and hate about parenting at six months.
For yourself
- Eat well and exercise.
- Stay active in bath and bedtime.
From Becoming a Dad: How Fatherhood Changes Men by Bruce Linton, Ph.D., MFT — practical tips from dads in Fathers' Forum groups.