Books about fatherhood

A whole new world opens up when you’re going to be a dad. Even before the baby is born, questions pile up, and you are sharply aware of all sorts of large and small issues which never crossed your mind before.

Father for Life – A book for men as fathers has some of the answers for fathers and fathers-to-be. From a professional view point the book provides information and advice, and describes some of the options when you want factual knowledge and clear information. It covers topics such as pregnancy, preparation for the birth, contacts with health professionals, the new baby, attachment, becoming a family, parental leave, suggestions for activities, postnatal depression and lots more.

This book is for enquiring men who take their roles as fathers seriously and want to learn more about how to tackle it – and want the best possible relationship with their child.

You can buy it here:
www.muusmann-forlag.dk/far-for-livet

Being DAD to a premature baby presents sixteen fathers’ unreserved and sensitive stories about the unexpected and terrifying experience of being the father of a premature baby. They describe how joy and anticipation change from one moment to the next into worry and anxiety and the fear of losing both baby and partner. These are stories of families whose lives changed dramatically in an instant. And forever.

The reader gets a close and personal view as the fathers describe how, in the midst of emotional chaos, they struggle to keep everyday life going, while at the same time supporting their partners and trying to secure whatever is best for their tiny newborns.

These are powerful stories of togetherness and survival. They are stories of faith, hope and deep love. We see men and fathers at the most vulnerable moments in their lives.

The sixteen fathers’ stories were collected by the author, psychologist Rebecca Schønherr Thomsen. She starts with a theoretical review of fathers’ potential for bonding with their babies, and summarises with a thematic reflection on all the fathers’ stories.

The introduction to the book is written by Svend Aage Madsen, psychologist, PhD and clinical specialist, who has published his own book on Fathers’ bonding with newborn babies.

The book is primarily for the fathers of premature babies, but also has a lot to say to people around the fathers: family, friends, and healthcare professionals.

A story about becoming a parent

Tobias is 34 when he becomes a father for the second time. In this unreservedly frank story, we are given an insight into his transformation from young adult to family man. We follow him during his paternity leave and can see how both he and the child develop. From the delivery room to a holiday in Thailand to everyday life with two children, we are allowed to share all the author’s thoughts, frustrations, worries and joys along the way. We hear about nappies, cereal mix, dummies and crying as the author reflects on what you think you will lose and everything you actually lose, what you expect to gain and what you actually get when you become a parent. Tobias is good company all the way, and when you reach the last page you will appreciate all the author’s solid reasons why parental leave for men is worth fighting for.

Stories about becoming a father

How do you raise your child when you have no good role model to look back on from your own childhood? And how do you come to terms with the past if you want a closer relationship with your children than you had with your own father?

FATHERS is a universal story about fathers and sons, and the legacy and values we want to pass on to our children – and to the wider community. The book also provides an insight into the most private and inaccessible part of an increasingly multi-ethnic society: our relationship with our children.

The stories in the book illustrate how different generations have brought up their children, and thus outlines the future that Danish society is moving into. Five prominent fathers discuss divorce, inheritance, role models, belonging, death and becoming immortal in the family. Together they paint a portrait of the first generation with an ethnic minority background who have really made their mark on Denmark. They are among the first journalists, actors, leaders of societies and prominent debaters with minority backgrounds in Denmark, and have, in their own way, broken new ground and been frontrunners in society. With honesty and courage, they share stories of their fathers’ roles and importance in shaping their lives for better or worse – and their doubts and desires for their own children, who are growing up in very different circumstances.

Having confidence in your role as a father

“The Book for Dad” is Nick Allentoft’s humorous and objective introduction to what becoming a father means.

It’s a momentous occasion when a couple become parents – for both mum and dad! But while there is a steady stream of books on motherhood, it is much harder to find books on fatherhood. Nick Allentoft changes that in “The Book for Dad”. He reveals what men can look forward to when they become fathers and how to find security and closeness with their children and partners.

Nick Allentoft gives specific, useful advice on everything from sleep, upbringing and many other topics from the father’s perspective. In addition, the book includes personal experiences and reflections on becoming a father from five different fathers, and input from the Centre for Child Life and the Professional Society for Health Visitors.

From first nappies, burping and sleep deprivation to unconditional love

Thomas Skov has written a humorous personal guide with anecdotes and advice from other dads on all the things you want to know when you become a father.

What Every Dad Should Know has plenty of anecdotes, with insights, reflections, advice and tips.

The book sets out to let you know that you are important as a father – and that you are not alone. Other dads have your back. You have theirs.

On being a husband and father of two little boys

In 25 humorous and thought-provoking stories, Sebastian Klein describes his daily life in a (typical?) Danish family with young children.

The idyllic image in the adverts doesn’t always match reality – and the transition from cool single guy to a family’s friendly dad can be quite an upheaval.

With a wry smile, Sebastian Klein describes some of the situations parents find themselves in when their new life starts with children in the house.

You have 40 weeks to get used to the idea

Like books for mums-to-be, this book follows developments week by week, although the man’s transition to fatherhood doesn’t necessarily happen in the same precisely measured stages as his partner’s. The book is just as useful, whether you read it week by week or all in one go. Either way, it is written in a style men are happy to read, although there are probably some mums-to-be who could learn a few things too.

The book is packed with information about the developments that mother and baby go through – and everything most fathers-to-be go through during the 40 weeks as they work up to their new title as DAD!

Be a father with confidence, closeness and respect

It’s a big thing to be a dad. But it can also be difficult too – it’s not easy find your feet in relation to mum and the baby. But as a dad, you can do something very special, precisely because you are a husband and father.

Helen’s book for dads is about the father’s input, and how to bond well with the child, both in the early years when mum often dominates in the child’s world, and later in life when the challenges are different.

Unlike most dad books on the market,Helen’s book for dads is written by a health visitor and child expert. This book takes the subject and dad himself seriously, as a handbook for dads on how to be the best kind of father for your child.

For the man who has everything – especially children

You had better know the truth at once: having children will turn your life upside down again and again. At times it may seem a disaster, but it is also completely amazing.

“Dad on the go” is a gripping and entertaining story about what it’s like to become a father and how to deal with what happens. It is also a guide for the dad-to-be who is terrified, and support for the new dad who is simply going crazy.

How you really can succeed both at home and at work

A handbook for modern men on how to balance work against life at home.

Today, for the first time, modern men face the same dilemma that women have faced for the past 30 years: how do we find a balance between work and family life? The authors maintain that not only can family life and work life fit together; they can also enrich each other, to the benefit of both. It is not only possible, but absolutely necessary for modern men to find fuel for their careers in their family and children. The book formulates a masculine family philosophy for career-men in the modern age.

Kristian Witt talks about what it is like to be a father in a society that still looks down on a man who gives his family higher priority than work.
Kristian Witt talks directly and frankly about his feelings and thoughts in his new role as a father. He talks about how he himself escaped from the family into his work and career, and how he has come to realise that a “father” can actually do without his job and career – but he is very much needed at home.

Kristian Witt realised this and took paternity leave with his two youngest children – even though it cost him his job…

Depression and anxiety in fatherhood

Why are some fathers overcome by severe depression and anxiety after an addition to the family? How does a new or expectant father feel when the warm happiness and anticipation suddenly and unexpectedly turn into deep doubts and dejection, worry and fear? What are typical thoughts and feelings for men with postnatal depression, and how do they act? How can fathers, their carers and the public health service best prevent the problem or detect it and help?

From birth to three years old

Food, hygiene, sleep, play, clothing, illnesses and general upbringing – no topic is too big or too trivial for this author, a former elite soldier. Definitely not when it comes to maintaining morale, your own, of course, but also in the family and among friends, and not least, for the baby’s mother…

It’s the most important assignment you’ll ever have as a man. And yet it’s always a fluffy bunch of women who tell you how to tackle it. That has to change. ‘Mission Dad’ is the training manual for all new dads. There’s no nonsense or self-indulgence as former elite soldier Neil Sinclair tells you how to guide yourself and your newborn through his or her first year of life. Structured as an easy-to-read, entertaining manual, the book has checklists, one-liners, tips and tricks, aimed at the man who (for good reason) doesn’t care for any other book on parenting.

Handbook for good family life

In The Great Dad, Mum & Kids , Lola explains – in her characteristic, unpretentious and witty style – everything worth knowing for parents of young children in Denmark today.

There are two sections (0-2 years and 3-6 years) with different chapters – on everything from pregnancy, first days with the baby, breastfeeding, dummies, sleep, bathing, toothbrushing, nappies and potty training, illnesses (and colic), doctors and dentists to siblings, activities/play, day care, stages of development and lots more.

Finally, she looks at a number of themes that affect children at all ages, such as the parents as a couple, grandparents, holidays, divorce and more.

The book for the man who is thinking about having children.

And for the new dad who has no idea of how to fill his new role as an adult. And for the toddler’s dad who thinks he’s the only one in the world who’s up to his neck in shit.

Frankly personal, wry and funny, this is a provocative and endearing book about everyday life with young children.

Read about taboos, the fear of having a gay baby, dragon spawn, why you shouldn’t take parental leave, sleep and sex deprivation, the fear of being a bad parent and why you should never comment on a pregnant woman’s appearance.

It was inspired by many different kinds of dads

The author himself writes:
Men and Dads today is largely inspired by conversations with dads I’ve met. I look at a variety of themes and try to include more general, philosophical and existential perspectives without neglecting the purpose of the book, which is to be a handbook for the modern man and father.

The final section of the book, “And this is what it’s really like”, is about 12 fathers discussing being a husband and father.

The handover you never got

Dry your eyes if you are a new dad, while seasoned dads will recognise the situations – and have a good laugh. Either way, you’ll be fine!

This is a handbook on fatherhood that you can consult one month, three months or six months after the birth of your child. The advice is there: take it or leave it.

It gives easily digestible and very useful anecdotes and experience, written in a humorous, empathetic and, to make it quite clear, manly style!

The guide for frustrated men

It happens to most men. They have found that fantastic wife or partner. Everything is idyllic until BANG! she falls pregnant and most men panic. With good reason.

This funny and satirical guide for panic-stricken men fills a gaping hole. No man should be without it when his partner is pregnant.

When tears and regrets are worse than useless. Jan Gintberg’s first book release is demonstrative, but thoughtful and highly entertaining look into the early years of a (non-)modern father’s role as a parent together with the predominant carrier of the X chromosome. Seen through the ketchup-sticky perspective of a cynic, Gintberg generously tries to pass on his wisdom and experience to the waiting generations of hopelessly unsuspecting potential dads. – And mums. Well, for goodness sake, it can’t hurt to take a look at it?

DysFunctional Dad is a satirical description of Gintberg’s position as a father of two, seen from the perspective of the slightly bizarre universe of his own childhood. He links it optimistically together in a conglomerate of heated gender-role analysis and exuberant side comments. All in the naive hope that fewer young fathers will end up in depression and divorce. Or even worse: unsuccessfully seeking consolation in the purchase of a Porsche.

Men on divorce, love, and life as a part-time dad

In this book, nine fathers and one woman talk freely and honestly about how life goes on when you get divorced and have to share parenting with your former spouse. There are around 100,000 divorced fathers in Denmark. Journalist Sofie Kragh-Müller travelled around Denmark and interviewed nine of these 100,000 men, and the result is this relevant and powerful book. It is not only the men who will benefit from reading it. Women who have to cooperate with their ex-husbands about children after a divorce can also gain insight into how men feel and think about children and divorce.