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Stuff Every Dad Should Know
A pocket-sized parenting guide for dads and dads-to-be, perfect as a gift.
This handy little book is filled with all the fail-safe fatherhood tips and tricks a dad needs. From changing diapers and burping babies to building sand castles and hosting a sleepover party, this book is the perfect gift for everything from baby showers to Father’s Day. Chapters
• How to Rid a Room of Monsters
• How to Squelch a Temper Tantrum
• How to Assign Chores
• How to Discuss the Birds and the Bees
• How to Save for College
This handy little book is filled with all the fail-safe fatherhood tips and tricks a dad needs. From changing diapers and burping babies to building sand castles and hosting a sleepover party, this book is the perfect gift for everything from baby showers to Father’s Day. Chapters
• How to Rid a Room of Monsters
• How to Squelch a Temper Tantrum
• How to Assign Chores
• How to Discuss the Birds and the Bees
• How to Save for College
- GenresNonfiction
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
16 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 21, 2024
I was checking out I saw this book in the stand. As I quickly skim through it during my short time in the line, I noticed a couple of topics that stood out to me. “How do I start saving for my child’s college?” “How do I be a good dad during the difficult moments of having a toddler?”
It was quick subtitles that made me want to read this book, almost like a challenge for if/when I become a dad. Now, after sitting down and reading the book, I have a couple of thoughts.
1) This book is great for men or fathers who hate reading. Each chapter and section is about 200 words or less.
2) While some topics were so helpful and useful, there were other topics that were talked about that almost felt insulting. I don’t mean this in a negative way, but to devote a chapter on “How to build a sandcastle” or “How to make a PB&J,” almost asked the question, “How incapable are majority men as fathers?”
In no way, do I mean this in a negative sense as the author, I believe, sets out to be a mentor with quick and concise words for men about to enter into fatherhood for the first time. Because in those seemingly simple questions, the author is trying to get at a larger point. Like, when it comes to making a sandwich instead of the parent, just making the sandwich, they should be intentional about, including their child’s involvement in the process. Rather than the book and chapters being an exhaustive “How-To Guide,” instead, it’s more like a “Here is something you should know about-Guide.”
It was quick subtitles that made me want to read this book, almost like a challenge for if/when I become a dad. Now, after sitting down and reading the book, I have a couple of thoughts.
1) This book is great for men or fathers who hate reading. Each chapter and section is about 200 words or less.
2) While some topics were so helpful and useful, there were other topics that were talked about that almost felt insulting. I don’t mean this in a negative way, but to devote a chapter on “How to build a sandcastle” or “How to make a PB&J,” almost asked the question, “How incapable are majority men as fathers?”
In no way, do I mean this in a negative sense as the author, I believe, sets out to be a mentor with quick and concise words for men about to enter into fatherhood for the first time. Because in those seemingly simple questions, the author is trying to get at a larger point. Like, when it comes to making a sandwich instead of the parent, just making the sandwich, they should be intentional about, including their child’s involvement in the process. Rather than the book and chapters being an exhaustive “How-To Guide,” instead, it’s more like a “Here is something you should know about-Guide.”
June 9, 2012
Disclaimer: I got this book free for review.
There are lots of parenting books out there. Most of them seem to be geared towards Mom. People seem to forget that Dad is a parent, too...and often times no one's bothered to teach him the basics like how to change a diaper and what you need in your diaper bag. Thankfully, Brett Cohen & my good friends at Quirk Books have come to the aid of all new dads with their New book- Stuff Every Dad Should Know.
The book does not treat fathers like idiots, but it does deal with stuff the most clueless of fathers need to learn. How to pick out appropriate clothing for your child, Elements of a First Aid Kit, How to Squelch a Temper Tantrum, what to do when your child asks where babies come from, how to assign chores, and many more. And then there's the fun stuff like how to build a sand castle, plan a sleep over, how to make your kids "fly" without throwing out your back, how to teach your teen to drive, and how to bond with your teen.
Stuff Every Dad Should Know doesn't just cover the tiny baby portion of a child's life but goes right up to how to meet your child's in-laws. It's not a huge book, but the information covered far surpasses most parenting books I've read.
This one will make a great Baby Shower gift for dad (because really, poor dad gets the shaft during most baby showers) or a take-to-the-hospital read for the brief amount of time Mom is in labor and doesn't need him at her beck and call. Plus the hard back and small size make it perfect for packing around in the diaper bag ("It's called a satchel. Indiana Jones wears one." -Alan Garner, The Hangover) unless of course he buys the Kindle version & keeps it on his phone.
Good Job, Mr. Cohen. You may have saved fathers all over the country from feeling helpless in the presence of their 7 pound 6 ounce bundle of joy.
There are lots of parenting books out there. Most of them seem to be geared towards Mom. People seem to forget that Dad is a parent, too...and often times no one's bothered to teach him the basics like how to change a diaper and what you need in your diaper bag. Thankfully, Brett Cohen & my good friends at Quirk Books have come to the aid of all new dads with their New book- Stuff Every Dad Should Know.
The book does not treat fathers like idiots, but it does deal with stuff the most clueless of fathers need to learn. How to pick out appropriate clothing for your child, Elements of a First Aid Kit, How to Squelch a Temper Tantrum, what to do when your child asks where babies come from, how to assign chores, and many more. And then there's the fun stuff like how to build a sand castle, plan a sleep over, how to make your kids "fly" without throwing out your back, how to teach your teen to drive, and how to bond with your teen.
Stuff Every Dad Should Know doesn't just cover the tiny baby portion of a child's life but goes right up to how to meet your child's in-laws. It's not a huge book, but the information covered far surpasses most parenting books I've read.
This one will make a great Baby Shower gift for dad (because really, poor dad gets the shaft during most baby showers) or a take-to-the-hospital read for the brief amount of time Mom is in labor and doesn't need him at her beck and call. Plus the hard back and small size make it perfect for packing around in the diaper bag ("It's called a satchel. Indiana Jones wears one." -Alan Garner, The Hangover) unless of course he buys the Kindle version & keeps it on his phone.
Good Job, Mr. Cohen. You may have saved fathers all over the country from feeling helpless in the presence of their 7 pound 6 ounce bundle of joy.
March 20, 2025
Great quick and helpful read
I liked the simplicity, chapter breakdown, and images/visuals provided for certain topics. Definitely recommend for an initial intro to being a dad.
I liked the simplicity, chapter breakdown, and images/visuals provided for certain topics. Definitely recommend for an initial intro to being a dad.
April 11, 2012
College Girl has her pick of parents or parental units as she calls us. Whether it be Dear Hubby (her step dad) and I or Poppa (her dad) and The Other Mother (aka Rants & Raves that you should be visiting). We are her source of go to advice. And she actually comes to us to get our thoughts and opinions. There we are blessed.
But I think about how did all of this come about. Hummm.....has to be 25 years of raising a child. Now I started caring for other children as early on as 10 years old. And have done so in one capacity or another for 30 years. That has really helped me learn many 'tricks' of the trade. But Dear Hubby did not get such an education. Yes he had his own children but sadly was not there as they were growing up. So he has had to have a learning curve. College Girl thinks he has caught up pretty well but I think his own kids are still holding on to make a vote.
My step son has his own child now, The Turtle. So I was expanding on to the how do you know what to do at different points in life. Where is that lil handbook that is suppose to be issued with child birth? Of course I found it. No not back on the corner of the book shelf but over at Quirk Books.
The most important volume yet in Quirk’s handy guides to practical manhood: Stuff Every Dad Should Know. It’s full of the indispensable hands-on wisdom that all fathers need in order to instill that comforting sense of “dad awe” in their children, including:
• How to Fix a Boo-Boo
• How to Stop a Temper Tantrum
• Five Great Books to Read with Your Child
• How to Rid a Room of Monsters
• The Birds and the Bees for All Ages
• How to Photograph Your Child
• And many more!
I love the touch of humor along with practicality, and wholesome family values. Stuff Every Dad Should Know is a Father’s Day slam dunk and a must-have pocket reference for any dad or dad-to-be and will be ready to share with my step-son. Brett Cohen is the author of the 110,000-copy-selling Stuff Every Man Should Know and the coauthor of the follow-up hit Recipes Every Man Should Know. Think that one should be given with grill and charcoal.
But I think about how did all of this come about. Hummm.....has to be 25 years of raising a child. Now I started caring for other children as early on as 10 years old. And have done so in one capacity or another for 30 years. That has really helped me learn many 'tricks' of the trade. But Dear Hubby did not get such an education. Yes he had his own children but sadly was not there as they were growing up. So he has had to have a learning curve. College Girl thinks he has caught up pretty well but I think his own kids are still holding on to make a vote.
My step son has his own child now, The Turtle. So I was expanding on to the how do you know what to do at different points in life. Where is that lil handbook that is suppose to be issued with child birth? Of course I found it. No not back on the corner of the book shelf but over at Quirk Books.
The most important volume yet in Quirk’s handy guides to practical manhood: Stuff Every Dad Should Know. It’s full of the indispensable hands-on wisdom that all fathers need in order to instill that comforting sense of “dad awe” in their children, including:
• How to Fix a Boo-Boo
• How to Stop a Temper Tantrum
• Five Great Books to Read with Your Child
• How to Rid a Room of Monsters
• The Birds and the Bees for All Ages
• How to Photograph Your Child
• And many more!
I love the touch of humor along with practicality, and wholesome family values. Stuff Every Dad Should Know is a Father’s Day slam dunk and a must-have pocket reference for any dad or dad-to-be and will be ready to share with my step-son. Brett Cohen is the author of the 110,000-copy-selling Stuff Every Man Should Know and the coauthor of the follow-up hit Recipes Every Man Should Know. Think that one should be given with grill and charcoal.
May 8, 2012
From Lilac Wolf and Stuff
I was actually put off this book after having read Stuff Every Mom Should Know and it starts out with talking about saving for college. My first thought was "what's up with the double standard here?" Moms need to know about feedings and diapers and Dads just need to know about setting up a college fund?
But I read on and that was actually a short section that I missed the point of. It was saying, "yeah you have to do this, but that's not your only role." The book, like other Stuff books, is full of little bits of useful information. It's not a complete manual, but it's a great first book. It breaks everything down so becoming a father doesn't seem quite so terrifying. I think that is its goal.
Brett goes from the new baby all the way to marrying them off. There's "How to Hold your Baby," "Five Tips for Caring for Your Wife or Partner," "How to Make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich", "How to Encourage Outside Play", "How to Assign Chores", "Five Great Activities that Allow you to Bond with Your Teen." There are many, many more to choose from.
This book I would buy with Stuff Every Mom should know as a gift for expecting parents. Now Quirk just needs to write one for the single parent. Both books assume the other parent will be there helping out with the work.
Let me leave you with this joke from "Five Great Jokes to Make Your Child Giggle."
Q: Why is Cinderella bad at sports?
A: Because she has a pumpkin for a coach and she runs away from the ball.
I was actually put off this book after having read Stuff Every Mom Should Know and it starts out with talking about saving for college. My first thought was "what's up with the double standard here?" Moms need to know about feedings and diapers and Dads just need to know about setting up a college fund?
But I read on and that was actually a short section that I missed the point of. It was saying, "yeah you have to do this, but that's not your only role." The book, like other Stuff books, is full of little bits of useful information. It's not a complete manual, but it's a great first book. It breaks everything down so becoming a father doesn't seem quite so terrifying. I think that is its goal.
Brett goes from the new baby all the way to marrying them off. There's "How to Hold your Baby," "Five Tips for Caring for Your Wife or Partner," "How to Make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich", "How to Encourage Outside Play", "How to Assign Chores", "Five Great Activities that Allow you to Bond with Your Teen." There are many, many more to choose from.
This book I would buy with Stuff Every Mom should know as a gift for expecting parents. Now Quirk just needs to write one for the single parent. Both books assume the other parent will be there helping out with the work.
Let me leave you with this joke from "Five Great Jokes to Make Your Child Giggle."
Q: Why is Cinderella bad at sports?
A: Because she has a pumpkin for a coach and she runs away from the ball.
July 27, 2013
A quick read with practical advice for the new dad. Oddly, it covers things to know as a dad of a newborn right up to being a dad of a teenager. Much of it is common sense but some small gems in here too. A nice little gift.
July 28, 2012
Simple straight-forward advice and tips to help the every dad.
Read
January 12, 2014A very small but enjoyable book, a gift from my boys!
December 3, 2018
Nice little book. Quick read. Pages are extremely short.
March 30, 2017
Exactly what the title promises. Step-by-step instructions, bulleted lists, and practical how-to's written in an accessible style and an encouraging tone. We run through newborn care, (like burping techniques and changing diapers) to little kid care (ridding a bedroom of monsters and stopping a tantrum) to teenage stuff (learning to drive and, just in case, how to react if they get a speeding ticket). There's just enough guidance to get you to start doing what you need to do, without any fluff to make things more complicated.
3 stars. More than a mere novelty book, it's a good place to get started preparing for life with a kid.
3 stars. More than a mere novelty book, it's a good place to get started preparing for life with a kid.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews