The 11th 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.
In month eleven it may be hard to remember life without your baby.
Reflect on positives and negatives. Intimacy shifts are among the biggest changes for many couples.
Open talk about intimacy — for husbands together or any couple — often deepens communication elsewhere.
Moving back into your couple relationship is the task of this month.
For your baby
- Dance and sing. Balls and stacking toys.
For your partner
- Discuss relationship needs as you approach one year.
- Find a weekly activity you both enjoy.
For yourself
- Private list of feelings about eleven months.
- Plan the first birthday guest list.
From Becoming a Dad: How Fatherhood Changes Men by Bruce Linton, Ph.D., MFT — practical tips from dads in Fathers' Forum groups.