Daddy Smarts: The Guide for Rookie Fathers

by Bradley G. Richardson

Will I ever have sex again? When do I get my wife back? How will we pay for all we need? Becoming a father is one of the scariest experiences a man will ever face.Daddy Smarts is a commonsense guide for men on the cusp of first-time fatherhood. It provides practical answers to the questions that plague prospective papas:
-- How will I juggle my career and my family?
-- Will I be a good father?
-- How do I baby-proof the house?

Daddy Smarts examines the entire birth process for first-time fathers, from the decision to have children find the months of the pregnancy to the trip home from the hospital arid the first topsy-turvy month with the baby. It also provides an essential guide to the nine-month journey from conception to birth, letting dads know what's going on with their wives both physically and emotionally, as well as what's going on with the baby.

With tons of stories from actual dads, Daddy Smarts is filled with real-life examples from fathers around the country of every ethnic, religious, and economic background. Down-to-earth and conversational, it fills in prospective dads on the joys and realities of fatherhood.

Paperback

First published April 1, 2000

Reviews

[Douglas Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

This handbook for first-time dads contains brief, basic facts about pregnancy, birth, and its aftermath. It cuts to the chase of the major milestones, such as the positive pregnancy test, the actual day of birth, and the baby's one-month mark. Fathers without prior exposure to pregnancy, child-birth, or child rearing will find this book very helpful. By the same token, it leaves very little to the imagination by condensing and bottom-lining most issues and topics. Though brief, the 36 sections even have review tips to encapsulate highpoints. Future fathers who require a broader scope will enjoy Kevin Nelson's The Daddy Guide, with chapters on birth, childcare, cooking, money, and more. Libraries might also consider Gene B. Williams's The New Father's Panic Book, which covers the same time line without Richardson's compressed format. Recommended for public libraries.

Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.

[Mallory · Rating 3 out of 5]

My husband read this book to me... and there was more than one time that I hoped Richardson's wife left him! I know this was meant for new fathers to read, but I still wish he was a bit more understanding towards women's feelings and not make it all about the fathers (because, let's face it, it isn't). I also advised Derek not to follow half of the suggestions, so I don't think it was entirely helpful to read. It was nice that he got to read a book from a father's perspective, it just could've been more tasteful at times.