Sunday, June 18, 2017

The New Dad's Playbook: Gearing Up for the Biggest Game of Your Life - Benjamin Watson

The New Dad's Playbook: Gearing Up for the Biggest Game of Your Life by Benjamin Watson

When it comes to the unknown territory of having a baby, moms-to-be have nearly unending resources to plan and execute a healthy pregnancy and navigate those first months and years as a parent with confidence. New dads? Not so much. They want to get in the game too, but, says Super Bowl champion Benjamin Watson, "I could find clearer direction for putting together a baby swing than for taking care of a newborn child."

The New Dad's Playbook is every man's game plan to being the best partner and the best father, from pre-season (preparing for fatherhood) to Super Bowl (birth) to post-season (after baby is home). It helps men understand what their wives are going through physically and emotionally during and after pregnancy, allowing them to support their most important teammate. It tells men what to expect when their baby is home--and what to do when the unexpected happens. This tell-it-like-it-is book will take men from just winging it to winning it. (publisher)


The book was actually quite good. Watson's advice was practical and answered many questions guys may have. It was an honest look at pregnancy and fatherhood from a male perspective, including mistakes he made, thoughtful things he did for his wife, and an acknowledgment that each pregnancy is different. So, what works with one, may not with another, but the important thing is to work it out.

The importance of the parents working together as a team was an emphasis I really liked. Speaking of teamwork, the football references are a theme to the layout of the book. I am more of a casual fan, but I knew what he was talking about. But, if you are buying this for a dedicated football fan, it will be something completely relatable. I actually thought it was a fun set-up considering his football career.

Some suggestions are out of the price range for many young couples having a child, but some are adaptable. But, the practical advice and explanations of some of the things to expect or to consider are priceless information. It's not a long book, and it's easy to read---IF you are giving it to someone who will actually read it. However, it's a good book to have on the shelves for an expectant father to browse through during a pregnancy, and it is set up in a way to concentrate on a section at a time. Great book for any man who is about to become a father, whether for the first time or already experienced.

I received a copy of this book from Icon Media Group in order to review. All opinions are my own.

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