The 7th 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.
There are many roles we play in life. None is more important than being a parent.
At work you may be replaceable; as a father and partner your role is unique.
Family commitment takes courage — to honor others' needs and your own.
Fatherhood pushes depth of caring. Research shows fathers' involvement matters for children's development.
Be patient with yourself — patience is still building.
For your baby
- Mobility is foremost — watch how they move.
- They may hold a bottle and enjoy watching things fall.
From Becoming a Dad: How Fatherhood Changes Men by Bruce Linton, Ph.D., MFT — practical tips from dads in Fathers' Forum groups.