Book Review: DADspirations - The 1st 100 Days of Fatherhood
DADspirations - The 1st 100 Days of Fatherhood. Tips for Parenting Every New Dad and Dad-To-Be-Should Know. Pete Densmore. Published by DADspirations, Chicago, August 1, 2012, 176 pp.
Reviewed by Opal Freeman.
DADspirations: The 1st 100 Days of Fatherhood is a lively book written by Pete Densmore, who has willingly provided personal experiences and worthwhile tips to new and existing fathers. His approach to providing assistance to new fathers is to combine realistic, but practical, applications to ensure the journey of fatherhood is a memorable one. He also makes sure he is attentive to the mother; after all, she has nurtured the internal growth of the baby for the previous nine months. He includes a manageable blend of fun comments and creative tips that will be used not only today, but also throughout the lifespan of the parents and the child. DADspirations is designed to encourage and support new fathers, while helping to diminish the fears and anxieties of fatherhood, and recommends creative steps to give guidance and direction to fathers throughout the growth and development of their children.
The style of the book allows the reader to visualize—through the eyes of the father, mother, and the child—various stages that occur after leaving the hospital and getting settled into a solid routine at home. The book also covers the normalcy of the baby eating, sleeping, cooing, smiling, crying, and getting adjusted to a new world outside of the mother's womb. What's encouraging are the recommended “dadspirations” for what to do for the first 100 days of the baby's life. The rationale in providing positive and interactive activities within the first 100 days is that this specific time period will have an impact on the life of the child for the rest of his or her life.
The writing of DADspirations is a reflection of experiences of fatherhood, as well as preparation for the children's future. While the author is not an expert, he has excellent observations about several ways to improve your methods with a second child. All parents have the intent on providing the best for their children. The way it is expressed may be quite different, but the constant theme is providing a foundation of love and good well-being for the child.
Densmore successfully provides a quick, conservative read for fathers, but mothers and family members can benefit from the book as well. The book is an easy read; it's funny, and it provides a view of a newborn’s first 100 days that many people take for granted, or are just unaware of. I would go on to say that Densmore did a fantastic job in answering the who, what, when, where, and how of fatherhood for the first 100 days. I not only learned a few things from the book, I really enjoyed it.