First Time Dad: The Stuff You Really Need to Know

by John Fuller, Paul J. Batura

Perhaps the most powerful influence in the world is that of a dad on his child. Baseball gloves, dirty diapers, tiny little hands, first days of school, daddy-daughter dances, and learner's permits... and so much more! There's no way you can be ready for it all, but this is when you need to get a bit of a head start...

First Time Dad by Focus on the Family ministry veteran (and father of 6) John Fuller lets you in on the stuff you really need to know... because in just a few months or weeks or days, your life is going to change--forever. Set good priorities. Break bad habits and/or family patterns. Recognize and recover from some common fathering mistakes. Know that your words have immense power. And learn how to cultivate a lasting parent-child relationship. So, instead of wondering "oh man, oh man, oh man... what am I going to do now?" for 9 months... read this short book (plus it's pretty fun too) and get excited!

"Dad, your job is critical... And you can do it."

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2011

About the author

This is the disambiguation profile for otherwise unseparated authors publishing as John Fuller.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

In First-Time Dad, John Fuller shared personal insight to first time dads about the joys and challenges that are ahead of them in parenting. Like most parents, they were thrilled after they found out they had a positive pregnancy test especially after two years of trying to conceive. He began the book by asking dads what their expectations were now that they are officially a dad and what they are truly afraid of. This is critical and must be discussed with your spouse especially if there is baggage from your childhood. There is a helpful chapter in the book entitled, “Break the Chain” to assist readers in dealing with the hurtful past wounds where it won’t be repeated in the future! The book also discussed the importance of loving your wife and staying connected and in love when little ones join the picture. The book covered the difference between girls and boys and how to help your children succeed in life.

I would recommend this astonishing book on parenting to every single dad whether you are expecting a baby or already have a few children. Moms are also welcomed to read this book as well but it’s more geared towards men. I appreciated how direct John Fuller was in sharing with dads how a baby is going to affect their whole entire world and there will be days of triumph and days of feeling like you failed as a dad. And this is something every parent goes through. I liked how he shared how a baby will affect your marriage in many ways and it will take some adjusting to. For instance, we all know your sleep cycle will get thrown off for a while, romance and finding time to make love will be challenging, and going out on dates will became rare. I liked how he included suggestions to help parents deal with the changes a baby brings and how it’s possible to stay connected to your spouse during this time. He recommended striving to have weekly dates and communication times. I liked how he included a chapter devoted to sharing the differences between girls and boys to guide parents in raising their children. I also enjoyed that he discussed how to lead your children spiritually, how to build character in them, and how time means a lot to your children. Even though, I’m single and not a parent yet, this book taught me a lot about parenting my future children. I highly recommend this book and if you’re looking an excellent parenting book, then read this one!

"I received this book free from the publisher through the Moody Publishers book review bloggers program."

[Lenore Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

"First Time Dad" to help out for my step son. John Fuller of Focus on the Family helped put this together. You think mom's have questions, well new dads are just as nervous. It is great though to have a book to help you when your not sure of your role. A new baby sure takes up a lot of time and thought, but the role of Daddy is one of great power and responsibility. You may get to teach your son to toss a football or help your daughter ride a bike. But you will always be the one they look to for guidance, security and love. Having a lil reminder of the role a dad plays is never a bad thing. Also in all of those new task he also has to remember to love that wonderful woman who helped herald those kiddos into the world.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for sorting through priorities as a dad. There are practical, day-to-day bits of advice, but this is more of a big-picture type of book. As in, create a long-term strategy in raising your child so that you don't get so hung up on the day-to-day things that you blow the more important things. If you're looking for the day-to-day advice (as I'm sure I will be, come April), this is not the place to start.

[Mason Kirksey · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were two chapters in here that made all the difference in the world; the first was on the need for spending quality time with your child (as well as ideas on how to do so) and the second was a chapter devoted to the critical importance of loving your wife.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I found myself referencing this book often with my wife in the first weeks of parenting. Also offered some great "for further reading" suggestions that I will be checking out.

[Derek Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great primer to being a dad. Short and sweet and easy to digest.

[Billy Osei · Rating 3 out of 5]

Low to the ground book, fairly easy pick up and read. John is definitely a storyteller, and speaks to you rather than at you - I can appreciate that. he's a little repetitive which was taxing to read through. definitely good nuggets in there and good questions to journal and sit on. I was expecting a bit more evidence based content rather than anecdotes. and to my surprise (truly just picked this book randomly) it is written by Christian author.. which helped especially on the chapter on spiritual formation. feel more informed, but less prepared 🥴

[Brian Hilliker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay book. Plenty of the content was surface level information that a strong Christian has already internalized. However, there were a few practical tid-bits and book recommendations that I might explore. This book is better used to consolidate curated resources for future investigation. Ironically, the 'stuff I really need to know' were the things recommended outside of these pages by the author.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Covers a philosophy behind parenting, but doesn't get into the gritty mechanics as much. That's not necessarily a bad thing. I feel like the book could be quite helpful for those that are trying to get their philosophy grounded, and for those that want advice on creating a healthy religious household. The stuff I really want to know is currently focused on how to keep my sanity during some of the harder to imagine scenarios of first time parenting.

[Vince · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was a good overview of general parenting advice in all categories of life. It didnt go into great detail on any particular topic but he seemed to reference a lot of other resources which could be good. overall a good introduction to faith centered parenting.

[Adam Tomlinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

this work is a fine, practical introduction, but it was literally all old news to someone who was raised in modern, evangelical, America. nothing about this was new, or all that mind blowing. it was, at least, a very easy read.

[Dan Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful book for me on becoming a first time dad. Not many books address this. I loved it!

[C M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a bad place to start

Very basic, but practical advice & wisdom. Clear religious perspective -- but most of the advice is broadly applicable. Quick read.