The New Dad's Playbook: Gearing Up for the Biggest Game of Your Life – A New Dad Book, Perfect for First Time Dads and Fathers to Be

by Benjamin Watson, Meg Meeker (Foreword)

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.

Genres: Parenting, Family, Nonfiction, Self Help, Audiobook

208 pages, Paperback

Published May 2, 2017

Reviews

[Sam Hooker · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was some very good general advice for first-time dads, a lot of insight about the author's experience supporting his wife through 5 pregnancies and caring for the children after they were born.

There were also some problems. Benjamin Watson is an NFL player. He offers a lot of scientific information with no citations for his sources. Most of what he wrote looked reasonably accurate, but I'd no more trust his medical opinion than I'd bet on my pediatrician to put points on the board at the Super Bowl. He makes a lot of assertions that start with "many people," or "most women," or something similar, without providing any citations. I can only assume that he was speaking from personal/anecdotal evidence.

He regularly encourages readers to move beyond antiquated thinking, yet is apparently unaware that he's stuck in it himself. He uses the husband/wife dynamic exclusively, which is fine in the memoir sense, but doesn't acknowledge any other family configurations. He only addresses the possibility of the father being a stay-at-home parent one time, otherwise speaking from the default of the mother in that role.

He encourages men to "help out around the house," which is good at face value, but carries the assumption that house work is the mother's responsibility. He constantly refers to any time he spends with the baby as "helping out." It's not "helping out" if it's your kid.

I'm glad I read this, and any father should be able to benefit from the experience of others; but look elsewhere for anything more than anecdotal wisdom.

[Geoff · Rating 2 out of 5]

The New Dad's Playbook has some useful information but the majority is very basic. It's religiose, self-aggrandising, and full of clichés and stereotypes. It includes advice on how to not cheat on your wife, and gives a strong recommendation to not shake your baby. Yes, really.

The list of "signs of depression during pregnancy" includes "sleeping too little or too much" and "change in eating habits" - very helpful!

Wouldn't recommend this one.

[Dakoda Kilzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benjamin Watson provides one of the more practical books for Dads as they prepare for one of the biggest calls on their life. This book is God centered, scientific, challenging and encouraging. Every expecting father (and mother) should read this book when they find out they are expecting.

[Mike Keller · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a surface-level, cover the basics intro on what to expect, it’s an okay light read. There are a TON of football/gridiron metaphors and be-a-man pep talks, and the author also sometimes assumes that you might not even want to be a dad or are thinking of bailing. It’s not necessarily a bad book once you get past all the assumptions of gender roles, the football jargon, and lots of Jesus talk.

[Cesar Millán · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I heard for the first time that my wife and I were pregnant haven’t stop thinking about how to elevate myself, how to become my best version in order to be the best possible dad. Well in that journey I came across these book in Amazon and it was a home run. In Latin America we don’t have enough books about parenting for dads and the playbook have helped me create a strong foundation about where should I start and which parts of the pregnancy and post birth momento I should emphasize to become at least a good father. If you are worried about how to approach this momento in your life, go and get the book asap and learn from an experienced nfl player what you should start doing to be the best man you can for your couple and obviously to your future kids.

[David Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely helpful!

[Vaughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fatherhood 101 could be another name for this book. It was exactly as advertised and doesn’t skip over the stuff that people assume you should know as a parent. There is a lot of practical advice for new dads in this book, and is a very quick read if you’re late to the game and trying to soak up as much information as you can like me!

[Ryan Glaser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read! Ben Watson really breaks down what I have already experienced with my kids and why different situations come arise. I highly recommend this book to Dad's to be or seasoned father's.

[Felipegerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This is a great book for new dads. It's to the point and focuses on emotional and spiritual themes, which I think is really amazing.

[Marcelo Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having grown up taking care of my younger siblings and cousins, working with children and youth in various programs, and having read six parenting books in the 9 months before my daughter was born, I never had any doubts about my ability to be a good, attentive father.

This book was written for men who aren't me, who aren't as sure about what to do, who don't have the time or willingness to read tomes or, worse still, be seen reading the frilly covers of parenting books clearly marketed towards mothers.

To that end, I have no idea how well this book accomplishes its task, if men who wouldn't read other books would in fact read this one. Watson doesn't shy away from sensitive topics such as giving names to varying components of women's reproductive systems, describing different ways of giving birth, and discussing non-sexual "intimacy" with your wife (this book only says wife because Watson is an evangelical Christian, but any man can read it if he's having doubts.)

Some parts were highly informative, others were a little less useful (If a man needs this book to be comfortable reading about parenting, does Watson really think he's going to be comfortable having a man-only baby shower?)

Overall, the book was fine, but it was geared towards a person who is very different from me so I'm not qualified to give it an accurate assessment on how well it accomplishes the goal.

[Chris · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a bad book for dads who are just starting their education on being a parent. It's an easy read that lays a good foundation of parenting. There is some good information, but it doesn't go into much depth in terms of the science behind the child's development and how to raise a child. The book did reinforce a lot of concepts I had learned about before, but from a more anecdotal approach. I had trouble with some of the suggestions Watson provides and the implications behind them. He continually suggests that males should help out around the house, which struck me as a very traditional (and sexist) view of marriage. I understand where he's coming from by relating his learning to cook, but I was left wondering how he got by as an adult before that without knowing how to cook. The overall message of having strong communication with your partner, sharing responsibilities, and loving each other are important and this can act a quick reference for new parents/parents to be.

[Will Abrams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little split on this one. It's true there aren't that many dad books out there, so I appreciated some of the advice and encouragement. However, since Watson is an NFL player, some of the chapters felt removed from my own experiences or didn't apply. Spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on fashionable maternity clothes and a photo shoot for your wife, just so she can feel special, is not exactly something I plan to do in my own life. Plus, there's a little too much time spent on addressing macho guy feelings about pregnancy that probably died years ago. If I read another dad book, it'll probably be from an author with more medical knowledge or spiritual insight.

[Alex Pujol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Football metaphors abound

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

In September 2020 my daughter Ellie arrived and made me a father for the very first time. It was a beautiful, terrifying, soul-fulfilling, emotionally depleting day. Back up about 8 months when Erica told me we were expecting a baby, it was a beautiful, terrifying, soul-fulfilling, emotionally depleting day. Kind of a nice bookend. Watson sums it up well this way, “Perhaps there is never a more poignant moment in a man's life than the day he discovers he’s going to become a father. Perhaps too, there’s never a day when he experiences such a sudden flash of fear, as when he wonders, ‘Am I ready to be a father?’”

For mothers, there are 1 billion books to choose from about motherhood. What to expect when you are inspecting, the Birthing partner, the simplest baby book in the world, and on and on. For father’s…here’s a pamphlet that says you can no longer have cigars in the hospital, try not to ruin your child’s life.

At least it felt that way. With the power of Amazon, I purchased books from the Mayo Clinic, a misleading titled book called “We’re Pregnant, and the Ultimate Baby Book for New Dads. I am thankful for their input.

Honestly, I wish I knew about this book then. SuperBowl champion Tight End Benjamin Watson brings a quick-hitting, basic approach to fatherhood. The book might rightly be subtitled, “You know nothing, here’s some help.” I have enjoyed Watson’s input on various social issues on his Facebook, so I know he is a well-thought-out source of information. Even if that thought process did lead him to sign with the Patriots, no one is perfect.

This book is a guide to fatherhood in a metaphor most men can grasp: football. The 14 chapters are separated into five parts, all based on a football season - training camp, regular season (pregnancy), super bowl (birth), postgame, and off-season(dad things, have another child). Sometimes it’s a stretch, but it gets the point across.

Honestly, this book is a great place to start if you know nothing, but after your first child; it’s elementary. Not your kid, the book. Basic stuff.

“The first few days after your child's birth are a blur and if you don’t prepare beforehand you will be overwhelmed. When you are exhausted, and you will be, the smallest problem can send you into a panic.”

The advice is practical and in some cases personal. Watson is not a doctor, nurse or doula. He’s a guy with 5 kids who has a big heart and loves his family. The book is a quick read of fast punch things to think of that no first-time dad will. It’s partially informational and partially biographical. But you learn a lot from his wins and losses.

They say a wise man learns from other people’s mistakes. GREAT advice when it comes to fatherhood because we’re going to make a lot of our own mistakes. Minimize what you can learn from what you didn’t, and accept practical advice when you’re ignorant.

This is a great gift for first-time dads to help with the basics. Any pre-dad should have a number of books and resources in mind, and this is definitely one to pick up.

Don’t panic. Make a plan. Be present. Good advice, even if it comes from a garbage team like the Patriots…it’s okay he retired as a Saint. Thank god.

“You have a very important role in raising this child by laying a solid foundation for your growing family, by being present, and by following some of the practical suggestions in this book. To quote my former coach Bill Belichick ‘Do your job!’. When my wife Kirsten experienced morning sickness during her first pregnancy all I could do was sit down next to her on the bathroom floor and hold her. Years later when I overheard her being asked, ‘What’s the sweetest thing I’d ever done for her was, ' she answered, ‘“When I had morning sickness in my first trimester, Benjamin held me. Of course, I wanted to call the doctor, get medicine to ease Kirsten's pain; but she needed my presence. Your presence speaks volumes about your commitment to your family.”

“Unexpected events happen, even when you have a plan. But staying calm & adapting reasonably can tip the balance from a horror story to a cute antidote. When that baby is ready, all that is registered is…game time.”

4 out of 5. Worth your time if you’re a soon to be dad

[J.K. Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating - Put it on your list

Level - Quick and easy

Summary
The book is basically what it says it is - a guide to fatherhood - just (sometimes too) heavily mixed with football metaphors. The book is 14 chapters broken into five parts, all based on a football season - training camp, regular season (pregnancy), super bowl (birth), postgame, and off-season(dad things, have another child). The attempt to put everything neatly into these categorise can be a bit of a stretch, especially in the 'training camp' section, but actually work out really nicely in 'regular season' and 'post game.'

My Thoughts
This book turned out better than I thought. I was little skeptical at the beginning, with the intro chapter somewhat meandering, but Watson really got into stride with the practical advice. As mentioned above, training camp was probably the weakest, but I have to say, I was really surprised at how well the 'regular season' chapter turned out. It was a great pregnancy 101. Watson actually goes through the different terminology, stages of pregnancy, and medical options defining and explaining in quick and simple terms what they mean. Maybe it is because Baker is a 'Christian' publisher (who typically aren't great a practical advise), but I was surprised at how useful and practical this section was.

'Postgame' and 'Off-season' where also good chapters, where he moves away from practical advice (in the step-by-step, playbook sense) and honestly moves into challenging men. Basically saying we need to step up for our family, work to keep the marriage strong, and then realize we will fail, regardless, and that it is alright, because you can't be a perfect dad. To wrap-up and really expand the breadth of the parenting aspects, he ends on a solid discussion on what it means to have another child, and even differing thoughts on how long to wait and how many children to have.

For those skeptical that you can find a practical (pre)parenting book from a CHristian publisher, this one is the exception. For those maybe interested due him being a famous football player, but disinterested in the CHristian-y parts, I think it is still a solid option. The intent of the book is to be practical and helpful, he isn't kidding with the 'playbook' part of the title. However, it is clear that the man loves God. He obviously takes his relationship with God, his wife, and his children very seriously. It was encouraging and convicting at the same time.

Any pre-dad should have a number of books and resources in mind, and this is definitely one to put on your list. If you have a friend that doesn't like reading and might only read a book because it was written by a football player (and you probably know a few), this book is perfect. I can think of a guy right now whose wife is almost through the first trimester that I will give this book to. The practical advice, the sports references, and the quick and easy pace of the read will make this book one that anyone will finish.
More reviews at https://MondayMorningTheologian.com/
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Justin Ruszkiewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was at Ollie’s a few weeks ago, looking for some bargains and deals on books. This was only a couple days after my wife and I took to our social media accounts to announce that we were expecting. Then, as I was sifting through all the different books, this one popped out to me from the miscellaneous isle. I picked it up, recognized the name, and realized: wow, I actually could benefit a lot from reading this.

And benefit I did!

This book is not just a book; it’s as if you had a big-brother speaking into you about being a new dad. But it’s not just about being a new dad, it’s about everything! From the first trimester, to making a birth plan, to what he calls the “Super Bowl” (childbirth), and beyond—he hits every topic!

As a man, I appreciate this book for a few reasons. First, this is my first experience with my wife being pregnant. This is new territory for me. Benjamin Watson wrote this as if he knew all the fears, the questions, and the things I needed to know. I rarely have a book speak to me THAT much on what I’m going through. So I appreciated his candor, his honesty, and his willingness to help someone like me see that I’m not alone.

Second, he makes TONS of football analogies. What’s not to love about that?! Being a football guy, I loved that aspect about this book. But even if you aren’t a football guy, you’ll still make sense of the points he’s making, and get a laugh out of them too. (My favorite analogy was that my wife is the quarterback, and I’m the offensive lineman—and when people come with their unhelpful or unsolicited opinions on things, I have permission to BLOCK them, maybe even PANCAKE them!!!)

But the biggest reason of all that makes me LOVE this book, is that Benjamin Watson is REAL and not afraid to share both his failures but also his faith. I connected with him from beginning to end. His humility is contagious, and so is his joy. From these pages I could tell he is a solid dad and a man of God who’s passionate about helping other guys (like me) find a way to be good husbands, fathers, and men.

The most helpful chapters were definitely the ones going into details about two things. One, he shares a lot of straight-up details about whats going on as your wife is growing a child, helping me understand so much more of what’s actually happening. (Be prepared to know A LOT about your woman!) and two, he shares so many helpful tips and ideas when it comes to each trimester—what to expect, what to do, and what to think.

Overall, this was a great book. By far my favorite thing he said comes from a chapter about how you don’t have to be “perfect” in order to be the perfect dad for your kids. He made a point that each kid will grow up to be uniquely made in God’s image, and that may mean they will like different things or do things differently from you. Our goal as fathers isn’t to change them, but to GUIDE THEM, and let our love be unconditional no matter what, because that love we give them is what they need to grow in the Lord. I will never forget that.

Thank you, Benjamin Watson, for making me 10x less anxious and 100x more excited to be a dad. July can’t come sooner!!

Final rating: 9.5/10, 5 stars!!!

[Cindy Navarro · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kyle Brennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the saying goes, "Babies don't come with instruction manuals."
When my wife showed me the positive pregnancy test, I was filled with joy at the thought of becoming a dad. But soon after, the nerves kicked in. I knew nothing about pregnancy’s physical and emotional demands, let alone how to care for a newborn. As someone who likes to be over-prepared, I felt clueless.

Nowadays, there are countless resources for moms-to-be. But for dads? For dads…here’s a pamphlet - "No cigars in the hospital. Try not to ruin your child’s life."

Enter former NFL tight end and Super Bowl champion Benjamin Watson. As a father of five, Watson saw countless teammates struggle to navigate the complexities of pregnancy, changing diapers, and transitioning from tough-guy NFL player to "Dad." This book was gifted to me by a fellow reader and first-time dad, and I'm so grateful for the wisdom Watson lays out so clearly.

This book is a crash course in Fatherhood 101. It’s straightforward, skips the fluff, and covers everything a new dad might be unsure about - from taking care of your wife to bathing your baby for the first time. Watson writes for men who may not have the time, patience, or desire to read to be seen reading the frilly covers of traditional parenting books, which are often geared toward moms.

If you're a first-time dad, this is the perfect playbook. It’s a must-have resource to help you feel more prepared for the journey ahead.

Rating: 4.5 / 5 ⭐️⭐⭐⭐️️️

[Como Se Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent guide for first-time parents. It is dedicated directly to men, but also women can learn from the pregnancy process if you have not yet had your first baby.
In this book Benjamin Watson explains from the day he learns that he is going to be a father until after having his baby in his arms.It explains clearly everything that happens before, during and after the pregnancy of his wife, according to his experience.

We women can know the feelings and behavior of our partner, what they think when they know they are going to be parents, How they feel when they know the sex of the baby.Wrote this book for the man who does not feel ready to be a father.It tells them how they can help, how they can be part of this beautiful moment.
What they can hear during medical appointments and especially how to make the marriage survive throughout this process. Throughout the book highlights the value, effort and sacrifice that makes a woman.
All this explains it as if it were a football game to make it more understandable for them. Making an honorable mention of the great function that God fulfills in his family and how he has helped in his moments of weakness.

[Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really glad this book exists.

There are innumerable resources for expecting women, but far fewer for the husbands of those women. In my experience, the dads can be left out of discussions about pregnancy and new babies and all that. Rather than being treated as an equal partner, I sometimes felt like second fiddle. So the fact that Watson has written something for the guys is encouraging, even if it did come to me a few months late.

At first I wondered if Watson was really the guy to write a book like this, but by the time I finished I was convinced that it was a good idea. The man has five kids, and so speaks from experience; he's an experienced NFL player, so his advice has a strong, masculine origin; he clearly has tremendous respect for women, which means this book doesn't simply fuel some manly ego; and he's a committed Christian, so much of his encouragement is biblical and gospel-centered. The football metaphors can be a bit on the cheesy side, but they're unobtrusive, so they didn't bother me.

I wasn't so sure when I started the book (I was honestly only reading it because my mom sent me a copy), but I definitely think I can recommend this book.

[Mitchell Traver · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars! I really appreciated Benjamin’s candor and encouragement. As a first-time Dad to a one-month old, a little more than half of this book came a little too late. However, the last third or so was very much applicable to what I’m currently walking through, and I’d even go so far as to say the insights Benjamin gave into the struggles of that first month were most helpful for me. I’ve already been faced with my brokenness and weakness amidst trying to be a Godly father to a newborn, and to know I’m not alone in that while being encouraged to rely on God’s grace and keep fighting was just so helpful. This book is very much a simple way of saying Dad’s matter very much, fatherhood is more than we can handle, and the LORD will be the One to lead us and help us love and lead our families well. Would highly recommend as it points to the sufficiency of God’s grace amidst our weakness while venturing into the gift and calling of fatherhood!

[Pamela Kilzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very easy and light read, but a super helpful and insightful book. I read it after my husband had read and recommended it. While this is geared towards dads, it’s definitely a great book for moms, too! I feel like a lot of mom books are more emotional, “you can do this,” types. This can be helpful, but not super practical. To have a practical book with actual lists, different ideas and quick bits of information without being overwhelming was such a relief. While writing might not be Watson’s greatest strength, (that is reserved for the field), he is clearly an excellent father with lots of helpful words to share on child rearing.

[Ryan Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great parenting book with fun anecdotes, Sports analogies, and an overall easy, joyful read. I'm reading a few parenting books, in particular books for dads, and this one was more than just a tutorial as it had a bit of philosophy as well. One aspect that rubbed me the wrong way was it's discussion of sex and intimacy with your wife. I thought it was a little stereotypically sex-focused for my taste, but maybe that works for some dads and husbands. I won't ever pressure my wife for sex, so maybe it's just written for a different audience. Overall a great book and I suggest dads to be, in new dads read it to add its skill to your New Dad Playbook.

[Daniel Byrd · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book to be lacking in substance, overall. While I have no doubts that Benjamin Watson is a great father, he does not do a great job with this work. It is tangental, anecdotal, and at times the “wisdom” seems outdated. It seems he is writing to this mythical, 1950s man who does not truly respect or love his wife. Are there men out there like this? Sure. Is it a vast majority? Almost certainly not.

In addition, the statistics, scientific data, and claims are not that substantial throughout the book. He makes some interesting points, but rarely backs it up with data or studies. All in all, I was not impressed with the book.

[Dalton Chamberlain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read for a first time dad! Definitely a basic survival guide to the beginnings of fatherhood, and not a deep dive into anything ultra specific, but a refreshing and light read that has helped me feel more prepared for this upcoming adventure.

A key takeaway to maintain a healthy perspective that I found was this; “the days are long, but the season is short.” This serves as a great reminder to cherish every moment, especially in the days before the baby comes. Every moment is fleeting, and reading this book has helped me enjoy these moments more than I would have without it.

Thanks Ben Watson!

[J Landes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a first time father and I got this from my Mother in Law. This book is really great. Each section is broken down into the stages of pregnancy through the birth. It is a quick read, but very informative. It is like asking advice from a friend, fairly short and sweet and to the point. While it seems basic, there are many points he touches on that I never even though of, especially being a first time father.

overall, this is a great book and I would highly recommend it for any new father. I would go so far as to say it should be required reading for a first time father

[Kyle Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

In terms of new information and practical application, I would have to grade this book around a B- (not life changing but not bad either). But what Benjamin Watson does a phenomenal job doing within this book is he gives a high vision and challenge to dads to be to step into the most important role of their lives and to do so by the grace of God. To live selflessly and sacrificially for what is best for your wife and your kids. I would definitely recommend this book... added bonus is it is a pretty short and easy read too!

[Kristen Barrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I am not the target audience for this book, I’m glad I read it before asking my husband to read it because he wouldn’t have liked it or finished it and then I would have been mad thinking he wasn’t taking our pregnancy seriously. This book would maybe be helpful for a really young man who knows absolutely nothing about women or pregnancy and is also Christian. If you already know some basics, you can skip this book.

[Pierre · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a new dad, I truly wish I had discovered this book much earlier, but as they say, it's never too late to enhance one's knowledge and experience. The wisdom and insights that Mr. Benjamin Watson imparts in this book are nothing short of invaluable. They are not only timeless but also presented in a wonderfully simple yet profoundly impactful manner. I cannot express my gratitude enough for sharing this ultimate playbook for us new dads.

Thank you immensely.

[Matt Gard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this while my wife and I were trying to have a child. Some of Benjamin’s insight is very helpful. But some of his tips were incredibly obvious to me. Also, Benjamin is a deeply religious man and his book is written from the perspective of the Christian world view. I’m not a religious person, so I would’ve appreciated a more secular perspective. Overall, a good introduction to parenting for someone with little to no experience with young children.