Fatherhood

September 6, 2021
The editors of parenting site Fatherly advise that “if you know yourself, you know fatherhood” in this spirited if uneven guide. They open with an explanation that “fatherhood is a silly word used to market a ridiculous idea,” because it “implies that having a kid automatically offers men access to an altered state of being.” The authors go on to hit the expected marks—creating an emotional connection with a newborn (via physical touch), balancing work and family (instability will “inevitably become the status quo,” so consider asking for a flextime arrangement), handling discipline (avoid such vague phrases as “because I said so”), and dealing with screen time (parents should consider their own tech use when they’re around their children). While they leaven their pronouncements a bit—one chapter presents “The Case Against Taking Baby Advice Seriously”—their guides to essentials such as properly changing a diaper are accompanied by filler (one three-page list lays out “The All-Time Most Spoiled Kids”). And their quips may not please those looking for a serious handbook (the chapter entitled “Should I Get My Kids Vaccinated,” for example, consists of a single word: “Yes.”) Despite some moments of insight, this mostly leaves something to be desired.