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Papadaddy's Book for New Fathers: Advice to Dads of All Ages
After three decades of being a father, Clyde Edgerton-with four kids ranging in age from six to 30-is supremely qualified to give tips to dads of all ages. His fathering advice, pre-birth through schooling, involves plenty of his trademark humor, but also sound guidance enhanced by his training and experience as an educator.
Papa Edgerton suggests that on occasion a father might forego reading and just point to the pictures of dogs and cats in baby books, and also that he might place a blanket on the lawn, lie on his back with the whole family, and watch Sky Television. Edgerton's humorous and helpful counsel will guide new parents on interacting with in-laws and coping with sleep deprivation, while also providing strategies for recovery after you've cursed in front of a mimicking baby.
"If you don't feel apprehensive just before your first child is to arrive, you are abnormal," writes Edgerton. Yet by way of his experience, observation, and imagination, he provides caution and pure joy in equal measure.
"Edgerton is so, so funny. He captures the rainbows, cheap thrills, and irritating potholes of parenting with splendid understatement."- Library Journal
Papa Edgerton suggests that on occasion a father might forego reading and just point to the pictures of dogs and cats in baby books, and also that he might place a blanket on the lawn, lie on his back with the whole family, and watch Sky Television. Edgerton's humorous and helpful counsel will guide new parents on interacting with in-laws and coping with sleep deprivation, while also providing strategies for recovery after you've cursed in front of a mimicking baby.
"If you don't feel apprehensive just before your first child is to arrive, you are abnormal," writes Edgerton. Yet by way of his experience, observation, and imagination, he provides caution and pure joy in equal measure.
"Edgerton is so, so funny. He captures the rainbows, cheap thrills, and irritating potholes of parenting with splendid understatement."- Library Journal
193 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
18 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Clyde Edgerton
48 books278 followersClyde Edgerton is widely considered one of the premier novelists working in the Southern tradition today, often compared with such masters as Eudora Welty and Flannery O'Connor.
Although most of his books deal with adult concerns--marriage, aging, birth and death--Edgerton's work is most profoundly about family. In books such as Raney, Walking Across Egypt, The Floatplane Notebooks, and Killer Diller, Edgerton explores the dimensions of family life, using an endearing (if eccentric) cast of characters. "Edgerton's characters," writes Mary Lystad in Twentieth-Century Young Adult Writers, "have more faults than most, but they also have considerable virtues, and they are so likable that you want to invite them over for a cup of coffee, a piece of homemade apple pie, and a nice long chat."
Raised in the small towns of the North Carolina Piedmont, Edgerton draws heavily on the storytelling traditions of the rural south in his novels. Without the distractions of big-city life and the communications revolution of the late twentieth century, many rural Americans stayed in close touch with their relatives, and often shared stories about family members with each other for entertainment.
Among Edgerton’s awards are: Guggenheim Fellowship; Lyndhurst Prize; Honorary Doctorates from UNC-Asheville and St. Andrews Presbyterian College; membership in the Fellowship of Southern Writers; the North Carolina Award for Literature; and five notable book awards from the New York Times.
Although most of his books deal with adult concerns--marriage, aging, birth and death--Edgerton's work is most profoundly about family. In books such as Raney, Walking Across Egypt, The Floatplane Notebooks, and Killer Diller, Edgerton explores the dimensions of family life, using an endearing (if eccentric) cast of characters. "Edgerton's characters," writes Mary Lystad in Twentieth-Century Young Adult Writers, "have more faults than most, but they also have considerable virtues, and they are so likable that you want to invite them over for a cup of coffee, a piece of homemade apple pie, and a nice long chat."
Raised in the small towns of the North Carolina Piedmont, Edgerton draws heavily on the storytelling traditions of the rural south in his novels. Without the distractions of big-city life and the communications revolution of the late twentieth century, many rural Americans stayed in close touch with their relatives, and often shared stories about family members with each other for entertainment.
Among Edgerton’s awards are: Guggenheim Fellowship; Lyndhurst Prize; Honorary Doctorates from UNC-Asheville and St. Andrews Presbyterian College; membership in the Fellowship of Southern Writers; the North Carolina Award for Literature; and five notable book awards from the New York Times.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 25, 2013
There is a moment in every parent’s life when they wish they had someone to talk to about their child’s behavior—and their own response to it. They may not take the advice, but it’s nice to know what other, experienced folk do that seems to work well. Clyde Edgerton has a comfortable way of raising those pesky issues of childrearing and making us laugh about how we solve (or do not solve) them. He makes a great deal of sense, and makes us more comfortable with our sometimes creative solutions. Most of all, he makes us love children for being the baby humans they are—for mimicking, for coming out with the most amazing questions, for learning manipulation early.
This is a small book, the smallness of which any parent can appreciate. New parents quickly find that time is one thing they have less of with a new baby, and Edgerton’s advice on setting up the car seat early is wisely put in the front of the book: Getting Ready. The frustration of installing the seat prepares the new father for what will come…setting up the crib. He helpfully instructs the new father to put it together inside the room where it will be used, since it very likely will not fit through the door when it is finally put together.
Parenting can be hard, especially if we don’t learn early that consistency resolves many daily battles. It’s just figuring out what we want to hold as the standard that may be difficult. Edgerton speaks with the voice of the experienced Dad, one who has figured out many ways to be fair at the same time he is saying “no.” He writes as though he would be a great grandparent—he hasn’t lost the joy of a new baby, or a questioning toddler, or an experimenting teen. The love shows through, which is what each of us hopes for in our families. He is a Considerably Older Dad, or COD, and writes some advice for other CODs separate from the text in little boxes.
I especially loved the short section reminiscent of “Kids say the darndest things,” or Edgerton reminding us that sometimes kids seem to grow up when we aren’t looking. Suddenly one day they will point out, with an adult voice and a complete sentence, they have completely grasped something we thought was beyond them still. We feel foolish and proud and on the verge of laughing at ourselves at the same time.
His advice is sound, and I’m sure new fathers will find much in it to help them to relax into their new life as parent and to be creative in their own individual way: to think of new games, or stories to tell, or fun things to do with their child at the same time setting reasonable limits and allowing for diversity. Parenting is hard, but it can also be fun, and Edgerton helps us with one while reminding us of the other.
This is a book for new fathers, Edgerton points out several times, and so it is. But a mother could do worse than see what advice her husband is reading, to see if her child-rearing techniques mesh with his. Besides, it is much shorter than those for mothers, who have so much more to think about, since her body and the baby’s are so closely entwined. And she might take heart that Edgerton takes some time to tell new fathers to “look after mama.”
This is a small book, the smallness of which any parent can appreciate. New parents quickly find that time is one thing they have less of with a new baby, and Edgerton’s advice on setting up the car seat early is wisely put in the front of the book: Getting Ready. The frustration of installing the seat prepares the new father for what will come…setting up the crib. He helpfully instructs the new father to put it together inside the room where it will be used, since it very likely will not fit through the door when it is finally put together.
Parenting can be hard, especially if we don’t learn early that consistency resolves many daily battles. It’s just figuring out what we want to hold as the standard that may be difficult. Edgerton speaks with the voice of the experienced Dad, one who has figured out many ways to be fair at the same time he is saying “no.” He writes as though he would be a great grandparent—he hasn’t lost the joy of a new baby, or a questioning toddler, or an experimenting teen. The love shows through, which is what each of us hopes for in our families. He is a Considerably Older Dad, or COD, and writes some advice for other CODs separate from the text in little boxes.
I especially loved the short section reminiscent of “Kids say the darndest things,” or Edgerton reminding us that sometimes kids seem to grow up when we aren’t looking. Suddenly one day they will point out, with an adult voice and a complete sentence, they have completely grasped something we thought was beyond them still. We feel foolish and proud and on the verge of laughing at ourselves at the same time.
His advice is sound, and I’m sure new fathers will find much in it to help them to relax into their new life as parent and to be creative in their own individual way: to think of new games, or stories to tell, or fun things to do with their child at the same time setting reasonable limits and allowing for diversity. Parenting is hard, but it can also be fun, and Edgerton helps us with one while reminding us of the other.
This is a book for new fathers, Edgerton points out several times, and so it is. But a mother could do worse than see what advice her husband is reading, to see if her child-rearing techniques mesh with his. Besides, it is much shorter than those for mothers, who have so much more to think about, since her body and the baby’s are so closely entwined. And she might take heart that Edgerton takes some time to tell new fathers to “look after mama.”
July 14, 2021
Edgerton writes with great wit about new fatherhood, and the book includes a fair amount of practical/actionable items for those preparing for a new arrival. However, the scope of this book is wider than is useful for first-time parents. I quickly skimmed much of the second half of this book, as it features advice on how to entertain children 2-5 or instill healthy attitudes towards sex in teenagers. As someone who is just trying to keep track of what to do in the next week or month, this long-term view isn't particularly helpful.
March 18, 2013
I won this book for my husband to read but found myself reading it first lol it was very interesting, very true and had some very funny moments!! Enjoyable!! I definitely recommend if you are a father of any age to buy this book!! I am so glad I won it!! Thank you*
November 28, 2018
I got this book for my husband, but read it first - thankfully. It’s full of great advice like; get rid of all your pets.
*heavy sarcasm*
It’s not even about how controversial parenting advice can be, it’s just bad advice for dads like lying to the mother about bathing the child because you’re tired. Who does that?!
There is some humor but it’s not quite evident and when compared to things he’s serious about, I got a bit uncomfortable and unsure of where the lines were.
I would HIGHLY recommend not reading a book over reading this book. If this is the kind of advice people are giving dads then it’s no wonder it’s easier for the mothers to do everything themselves. For $25, please spend your money on something for your child. Or just let your child play with this book.
*heavy sarcasm*
It’s not even about how controversial parenting advice can be, it’s just bad advice for dads like lying to the mother about bathing the child because you’re tired. Who does that?!
There is some humor but it’s not quite evident and when compared to things he’s serious about, I got a bit uncomfortable and unsure of where the lines were.
I would HIGHLY recommend not reading a book over reading this book. If this is the kind of advice people are giving dads then it’s no wonder it’s easier for the mothers to do everything themselves. For $25, please spend your money on something for your child. Or just let your child play with this book.
December 9, 2023
The last fifty pages have some gold in terms of coping with tantrums and creative parenting tips. Otherwise, the highlight of this book is that it is written in a very not-so-serious way and is fun to read because of this.
That being said, it has a little bit of a narrow net. If you're part of the nuclear family, this book is perfect, but as someone who is co-parenting with another household, I found the first half pretty limiting as it focuses a little too much on giving your wife foot rubs.
That being said, it has a little bit of a narrow net. If you're part of the nuclear family, this book is perfect, but as someone who is co-parenting with another household, I found the first half pretty limiting as it focuses a little too much on giving your wife foot rubs.
November 27, 2017
Biographical
Advice to fathers
FUNNY
Advice to fathers
FUNNY
February 12, 2019
Good laughs and good advice
Humor carries you through in between the great nuggets that Edgerton offers. Well worth the time spent reading. Feel more prepared than I did yesterday
Humor carries you through in between the great nuggets that Edgerton offers. Well worth the time spent reading. Feel more prepared than I did yesterday
August 2, 2013
Aside from offering some useful (though I have to admit, untested by me) parenting advice, this book is funny. How funny, you ask?
In the middle of the book, there is a section that highlights some of the funny things the author’s children have said or done. One of these anecdotes is so funny, I started laughing out loud on the train home. Which is really not that uncommon, right? I’ve seen it before.
Well, not this time. The upper floors of the train are “Quiet Zones”, meaning no loud conversation, cell phones, music, etc. I’ve seen firsthand how others get dirty looks when they talk/make noise/etc. So I was determined not to laugh loudly and call attention to my self.
I could feel the laughs starting to boil over, and tensed my body more and more to contain the waves emanating forth with every thought of the passage I just read. I tensed up so much, I couldn’t help but let out a loud fart.
Now, if anyone has ever been in this situation, you know that farting while laughing just makes you laugh even more. So of course by now not only are the three other people sitting around me aware of my disruption, everyone else in the immediate vicinity is as well. I got the typical looks of disdain from pretty much everyone (some tinged with disgust), but I’m pretty sure I saw signs of a smile from at least three people I made eye contact with while I apologized.
Needless to say, I think I need to sit on a different car from now on.
But really, this book is well written, easy to read, and provides insight on some things I hadn’t even thought about, even though this is not the first parenting book I’ve read. Prospective/new dads, even those with young children should pick this up for some thoughtful but not-preachy advice on how to handle the little ones in your life.
And I hope that you all read this on a train, and am now sharing in my fun experience.
In the middle of the book, there is a section that highlights some of the funny things the author’s children have said or done. One of these anecdotes is so funny, I started laughing out loud on the train home. Which is really not that uncommon, right? I’ve seen it before.
Well, not this time. The upper floors of the train are “Quiet Zones”, meaning no loud conversation, cell phones, music, etc. I’ve seen firsthand how others get dirty looks when they talk/make noise/etc. So I was determined not to laugh loudly and call attention to my self.
I could feel the laughs starting to boil over, and tensed my body more and more to contain the waves emanating forth with every thought of the passage I just read. I tensed up so much, I couldn’t help but let out a loud fart.
Now, if anyone has ever been in this situation, you know that farting while laughing just makes you laugh even more. So of course by now not only are the three other people sitting around me aware of my disruption, everyone else in the immediate vicinity is as well. I got the typical looks of disdain from pretty much everyone (some tinged with disgust), but I’m pretty sure I saw signs of a smile from at least three people I made eye contact with while I apologized.
Needless to say, I think I need to sit on a different car from now on.
But really, this book is well written, easy to read, and provides insight on some things I hadn’t even thought about, even though this is not the first parenting book I’ve read. Prospective/new dads, even those with young children should pick this up for some thoughtful but not-preachy advice on how to handle the little ones in your life.
And I hope that you all read this on a train, and am now sharing in my fun experience.
March 24, 2013
I'm female, retired, and have grown children. So why did I sign up for the "Papadaddy's Book for New Fathers" giveaway? Easy answer - the author is Clyde Edgerton. Edgerton's fiction is filled with humor, wit, and wisdom. He paints true pictures of Southern life and especially of small town characters. If you've not read any of his books, get started!
This new book consists of, as the subtitle suggests, "Advice to Dads of All Ages." Edgerton has four kids, ages 5 to 30, and he has this fatherhood subject covered. Scattered throughout the book are boxed "*C.O.D."sections - advice for Considerably Older Dads. He's also inserted small notes that he wrote to his own children when they were very young. He gives lots of attention to the quotidian aspects of being a dad. Sample: Don't put the crib together in the living room;it may not fit through doorways. Instead, put it together in the room where the baby will sleep. And he also provides warm, philosophical approaches to raising a happy child.
I highly recommend this book. This will definitely be my gift to future new fathers in my life.
This new book consists of, as the subtitle suggests, "Advice to Dads of All Ages." Edgerton has four kids, ages 5 to 30, and he has this fatherhood subject covered. Scattered throughout the book are boxed "*C.O.D."sections - advice for Considerably Older Dads. He's also inserted small notes that he wrote to his own children when they were very young. He gives lots of attention to the quotidian aspects of being a dad. Sample: Don't put the crib together in the living room;it may not fit through doorways. Instead, put it together in the room where the baby will sleep. And he also provides warm, philosophical approaches to raising a happy child.
I highly recommend this book. This will definitely be my gift to future new fathers in my life.
April 5, 2013
5 out of 5 ***** review for "Papadaddy's Book for New Fathers" by Clyde Edgerton
Clyde Edgerton has four kids ranging in age from 5 to 30 years old. After three decades of fatherhood, there are certain things he has learned during his tenure. His way of raising his children involves, of course, lots of humor (don't curse near a mimicking child), but also the sound advice of a lifelong educator (you can't start reading to a baby too early).
With PAPADADDY'S BOOK FOR NEW FATHERS, a great storyteller shares his wisdom with other dads, young and old alike. Writing from experience, observation, and his vivid imagination, Clyde Edgerton conveys both caution and joy - mostly joy!
Dear Readers: Clyde Edgerton is the author of 10 novels, including "The Bible Salesman" and "The Night Train". Five of his novels have been New York Times Notable Books. He is a professor of creative writing at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Like Charles Dickens, Edgerton is a comic novelist of serious subject. When it comes to contemporary fiction, Edgerton is the godfather of soul!
Clyde Edgerton has four kids ranging in age from 5 to 30 years old. After three decades of fatherhood, there are certain things he has learned during his tenure. His way of raising his children involves, of course, lots of humor (don't curse near a mimicking child), but also the sound advice of a lifelong educator (you can't start reading to a baby too early).
With PAPADADDY'S BOOK FOR NEW FATHERS, a great storyteller shares his wisdom with other dads, young and old alike. Writing from experience, observation, and his vivid imagination, Clyde Edgerton conveys both caution and joy - mostly joy!
Dear Readers: Clyde Edgerton is the author of 10 novels, including "The Bible Salesman" and "The Night Train". Five of his novels have been New York Times Notable Books. He is a professor of creative writing at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Like Charles Dickens, Edgerton is a comic novelist of serious subject. When it comes to contemporary fiction, Edgerton is the godfather of soul!
March 14, 2013
It was a "fast, cute read. Although expensive for what's in it - if I had to purchase it. Brings a few smiles to your face especially around "potty issues". Every mom & dad have had their child "poop in the tub" while attempting to bath them so.... the reminder does make you chuckle.{now} I will pass this book along to new parents as there are lots of things in the book that will either help prepare them or should I say "warn them" about.
I think this book would do really well if marketed in "Baby and/or Kid's stores as part of "shower gifts". I would bet money that if sold that way it would sell millions. The amount of "baby showers" in this country are endless. This small gift should go to the "Fathers" although will definitely be shared by both. Selling it in regular book stores will limit it's success. {in my opinion}
I think this book would do really well if marketed in "Baby and/or Kid's stores as part of "shower gifts". I would bet money that if sold that way it would sell millions. The amount of "baby showers" in this country are endless. This small gift should go to the "Fathers" although will definitely be shared by both. Selling it in regular book stores will limit it's success. {in my opinion}
March 15, 2013
I think this book lacked direction. It alternated giving good advice with humerous antidotes and it tried to cover predelivery into teenage angst. I think it would have been better if it had just stuck to the humerous stories from predelivery into preteens. Some of the stories were very funny and some of the advice was spot on especially assembling the crib in the babies room. I won this in a goodreads giveaway. My children are grown but my son is soon to be a father so I intend to pass it onto him and ask him leave a review also.
April 2, 2013
This book is filled with practical advice and information, but it is presented with so much humor that it's all very easy to read and remember. Edgerton is a brave man for raising a second set of kids later in life, but he's obviously loving it and is a great dad. If you weren't lucky enough to win a copy, like I was, buy or borrow one if you know anyone about to become a father.
June 6, 2013
Let me start by saying that Clyde Edgerton is one hell of a great writer, one of the funniest Southern writers out there today (read Raney). I bought this book because I'm a fan of his, not thinking that the book would actually be a how-to (albeit a funny one) book for fathers (why would I pay attention to the book's title?). Not a fan of how-to books, so I muddled through.
May 7, 2016
Hilarious book on parenting for dads. Pretty darn funny. Started off good but went downhill later on in the book when he spent at least 10 pages explaining various games to play with your kids (this section wasn't really funny or anecdotal... it was just a bunch of boring instructions). Very short book (172 pages) so it's a worthwhile read for new dads (and moms).
April 2, 2013
Haven't finished reading it yet as my son took it to read also, and he does NOT enjoy reading, but really likes this book. He is a teenage dad and likes that the advice in this book comes filled with humor. Thanks Clyde Edgerton for showing that you can be a good dad no matter what age you are!
March 21, 2013
I received this book as a first reads from goodreads, and as a mom to a young son I read it with my son's father. We both enjoyed the humor and took away some great lessons to use later on as our little one starts to get older.
April 25, 2013
Adorably appropriate ^_^ I thought this was a wonderfully written book. The cute little drawings add character. This was received through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway, but it would make an excellent New Father gift!
March 20, 2013
This book is great. I'm not a mother but the advice was sound and reasonable. He writes with ease so you follow his prose without strenuous effort yet you take in what he wants to say. There were bits of humor throughout so no topic felt overly preachy like other advice books.
May 5, 2013
I liked it.
August 21, 2013
PIcked this up thinking it might make a good birthday present for my dad, but it's mostly for new fathers and isn't that amusing.
October 18, 2013
Funny and wise! Chris got it as a gift and I ended up reading it. Love the ideas for how to avoid 'factor bad.' I like the ideas in here about how to model behavior for children.
March 15, 2013
Papadaddy's is spot on! Humorous look on fatherhood from day one.
March 22, 2014
Pleasantly surprised by how straightforward and useful the advice here was.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews