cover image FATHERING RIGHT FROM THE START: Straight Talk About Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond

FATHERING RIGHT FROM THE START: Straight Talk About Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond

, FATHERING RIGHT FROM THE START: Straight Talk About Pregnan. , $12.95 (204pp) ISBN 978-1-57731-187-4

Heinowitz (Pregnant Fathers), therapist, author, educator and father, believes that "men's fundamental fathering experiences have gone unexpressed, often for generations." He explores the age-old stereotype of the emotionally reserved, reluctant and awkward father, and provides men with a guide for becoming better parents and partners. He is optimistic that new fathers can see their role as a growth opportunity that allows them to break the generational tendency of "fathering-by-default." As Heinowitz has seen in more than 30 years of professional and personal practice, becoming a father can be a cathartic experience, releasing emotions tucked away since childhood and reopening unresolved marital issues. Heinowitz encourages a constructive struggle with these new pressures, saying that fathering "requires no advance knowledge, because [it] is not about doing it right. Instead, it is about being a loving dad." Furthermore, "it is never too late to get involved," since successful parenting relies less on a set of skills than on an emotional and spiritual commitment to the family. Accompanied by quotations and examples from various fathers, Heinowitz offers a structured discussion to prepare men to explore their hidden selves. Included are step-by-step exercises to focus fathers toward releasing emotions, with the goal of improving spousal communication, and an extensive list of how-to books. Though Brickner's slightly toned-down men's movement sensibilities are not for everyone, many fathers will rely on this book as an emotional resource. (Apr. 24)