The 10th 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.
Your baby may babble names for parents — mama, papa, dada, or whatever your family uses.
Routines may calm; patience is the lesson.
Taking turns for sleep helps many couples — including husbands alternating night duty.
If only one partner breastfeeds, talk with your pediatrician about bottles so both dads can feed.
It is never too late to deepen your bond with your child.
For your baby
- Imitate sounds. Help them pull to stand.
- Cloth books and tick-tock games.
For your partner
- Take turns sleeping in.
- Discuss routines so both can meet baby's needs.
For yourself
- Weekly ritual with just you and your baby.
- Find another father for a simple outing with kids.
From Becoming a Dad: How Fatherhood Changes Men by Bruce Linton, Ph.D., MFT — practical tips from dads in Fathers' Forum groups.