Dads Behaving Dadly: 67 Truths, Triumphs and Tears of Modern Fatherhood

by Hogan Hilling (Editor), Al Watts (Editor)

More and more fathers are asserting themselves and actively taking part in changing diapers, attending doctor's appointments, participating in PTA meetings and helping with homework. The 67 truths, tears and triumphs detailed in this book explain how dads are becoming more involved parents without sacrificing their masculinity. Dads of different socio-economic backgrounds, races and family structures candidly describe successes they have achieved as actively, involved parents and how they felt about them. Their honest, heart-warming, and humorous stories provide an in-depth look into how fatherhood has changed. They are "Dads Behaving DADLY."

230 pages, Paperback

First published June 10, 2014

Reviews

[Louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Will recommended this book and I think he enjoyed it more than me. I guess anyone who can put a bunch of anecdotes together can publish a book now, huh? While I believe in equal parenting and that dads should be doing their fair share of the childcare, I was just annoyed by most of the chapters in this book. Some of them seemed to promote the bumbling dad idea, while others called unnecessary attention on dads doing things that moms have been doing for a long time without getting any acknowledgement. I know that's not the aim of the book, but I thought the stories could have been better curated.

[Lorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply put, "Dads Behaving Dadly" is THE book to read if you want to get in touch with the current modern fatherhood revolution going on in American society. Containing 67 stories about everyday fears and triumphs, the writers included share in brilliantly honest detail what it means to be and what it's like to be a dad be it a stay-at-home father, an at-home dad who works part-time or a full-time working dad (it also includes a few from moms). The spectrum of writer ranges across races and cultures, across sexual orientation and financial demographics. Each work is the same but unique, each story containing its own realization and epiphany. Some dads battle their fears of failure. Some battle depression. Some battle the isolation of being a stay-at-home parent. Some battle the stereotypes of fatherhood permeating our society. Others express wonder at their kids. Others talk about how much they enjoy being at home with their children. All of these dads are strong, loving parents and open their lives to us through heartfelt language and visceral imagery. This is an important book. It's one that can be enjoyed by both men and women and should serve to open up a needed dialogue on what it means to be a modern father. It's a must read!

[Will · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed this, and some of the stories were really moving.

Even though I appreciated the effort to portray people of different backgrounds and circumstances, at time, it felt a little forced, and I would have appreciated following a smaller number of stories but in greater depth. That said, I enjoyed the book, and will probably check out the second.

[Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful collection of stories about modern fatherhood. In fact I should warn you, don't start reading this book in a public place like I did. I was sitting in a bar in an airport waiting for a flight, two stories in I was holding back tears, then as I started the third I had to keep wiping my eyes. Many of the stories are emotionally powerful, all are worth the read.