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  • For New DadsFor New Dads
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15 Best Books for Dads

Headshot of Sandra Calzadilla, LMHC

Written by: Sandra Calzadilla, LMHC

Rajy Abulhosn, MD

Reviewed by: Rajy Abulhosn, MD

Published: June 21, 2023

Parenting can be as challenging as it is rewarding. Whether you’re a new dad or you’re just looking for more advice, these books for dads are here to guide you through pregnancy, parenting, and everything in between.

For our audience’s convenience, we include links to Amazon so recommended books can be easily purchased. Choosing Therapy may earn a commission from Amazon when purchases are made using the links on this page. Read more about our high editorial standards and advertising policy.

Here are 15 books for dads wanting to become better parents:

Books for Expecting & New Dads

Your partner is pregnant. Now what? These books are helpful for new dads experiencing their first pregnancy with their partner and everything that means. They outline what to expect, how to handle common issues like their pregnant partner’s anxiety, the baby blues, and how to handle the emotional impact of becoming a new dad, with issues like male postpartum depression or feeling overwhelmed by new parenthood.

Best Books for Dad in 2022 by Armin A. Brott 1. The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide to Dads-to-Be

This classic guide is considered the standard for new dads – and for good reason. It outlines what to expect every month of your partner’s pregnancy and includes new chapters on labor.

The latest edition also includes some pandemic-specific issues and how to deal with them.

We're Pregnant! The First Time Dad's Pregnancy Handbook by Adrian Kulp2. We’re Pregnant! The First Time Dad’s Pregnancy Handbook

If you didn’t grow up with a lot of siblings or babies in your life, you may be stumped when your partner is pregnant. This book outlines each week of your partner’s pregnancy and includes what to expect, insight into your partner’s evolving needs, and how to handle some of the common issues that arise, with insights into the emotions a dad may be processing as well.

Some reviews have mentioned this book is very American-focused, with little information on the actual birth itself or alternative birth methods, so keep that in mind.

Are you obsessively asking yourself “Am I a good parent?”

Most parents occasionally ask themselves the question. However, if you are constantly worried about being a good parent and cannot control your fears, you might have OCD. Learn More

Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by NOCD.

Visit NOCD

The Simplest Baby Book in the World: The Illustrated, Grab-and-Do Guide for a Healthy, Happy Baby by Stephen Gross3. The Simplest Baby Book in the World: The Illustrated, Grab-and-Do Guide for a Healthy, Happy Baby

Straightforward, simple, and easy to read, this guide is perfect for on-the-go dads who want to learn quickly what taking care of an infant looks like. Readers appreciate its easy-to-understand illustrations and well-organized chapters.

Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads by Gary Greenberg4. Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads

Former Boy Scouts (or anyone who enjoys a solid instruction manual) will appreciate this dad handbook with cheeky illustrations, how-to guides for the most common “dad” scenarios, and more.

The first year can be tough for a new dad, but this handbook is here to help with any parenting obstacles you may come across.

The Birth Partner 5th Edition: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Partners, Doulas, and Other Labor Companions by Penny Simkin5. The Birth Partner 5th Edition: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Partners, Doulas, and Other Labor Companions

If you’re looking to know exactly what can happen during birth, then this definitive, informative guide is for you. Each chapter outlines specific scenarios that may happen while your partner gives birth and how to handle each one. Find common labor symptoms, complications, and how you can be a present, available partner during an intense time for new parents.

This book is especially helpful for couples considering a doula or other similar services.

First Time Dad6. First-time Dad: Pregnancy Handbook for Dads-to-Be

Written by Steven Bell, First Time Dad prepares all dads-in-the-making for everything from the first positive pregnancy test to long term plans with your child. For example, what foods are best for your partner? What medical exams will she need? How can you better support her? Then, after the baby is born, how do you adapt? How can you improve romance with your partner? How do you prepare for every milestone in your child’s life? Learn all that and more with this incredible guide.

Pregnancy for Men7. Pregnancy For Men: The Whole Nine Months

For fathers-to-be, the nine months of their partner’s pregnancy come with enormous challenges – including nervousness, excitement, fear, anticipation, and doubt. While most pregnancy books are for mothers, Pregnancy for Men by Mark Woods is just for you, offering a dad’s survival guide to these early days of parenting. You will learn about your baby’s developmental stages, how to better support your partner, and what to expect after your baby is born. Fatherhood is coming; ask yourself, are you ready for it?

Help For Parents

Neuropsychological Testing For Children (including evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and Learning Disorders) Get answers in weeks, not months. Bend Health provides a complete report with in-depth findings, reviews with your schools, and a clinical diagnosis (if applicable). Learn more


Online Therapy & Coaching (ages 1 -17) Bend Health is a virtual mental healthcare provider caring for kids, teens, and their families. Many insurance plans are accepted. Learn More


Worried your child might have an eating disorder? It can be overwhelming when your child is showing eating disorder red flags, but you can help. In fact, your help may be critical to getting them the right treatment. Learn more about the signs of eating disorders and what to do if you’re concerned. Explore Equip’s free guide.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Equip and Bend Health.

Books for Dads With Daughters

Every child needs their father, and daughters can especially benefit from a positive relationship with their dad. These books are here to help you utilize mindful parenting with your daughter, and remind them how loved they are.

Girls on the Edge8. Girls on the Edge: The Four Factors Driving the New Crisis for Girls

From social media obsessions to sexual identity and consent, young women face a host of unique issues stemming from our digital culture – this book from Dr. Leonard Sax outlines how to tackle them. Learn what to be aware of and how to raise confident, secure daughters in a world determined to bring their spirit down.

Dads and Daughters by James C. Dobson9. Dads and Daughters

This sentimental read may not feel the same as other handbooks and guides on this list, but family therapist Dr. James Dobson still provides heartfelt wisdom in this uplifting and encouraging read.

A licensed psychologist and family counselor, Dr. Dobson’s book is perfect for dads who want to celebrate the beauty that is their relationship with their daughter.

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry & Vashti Harrison10. Hair Love

This Black father-daughter story focuses on a caring father learning how to style his little girls’ hair for a big day. While specific to Black families, it’s still a tender and touching story sure to encourage any dad with a daughter. Plus, it makes for a great storytime read too.

Thriving Girl Dad11. Thriving Girl Dad: A Dude’s Guide to Raising Daughters

Thriving Girl Dad knows that raising daughters can be hard; however, instead of just aiming to “get through it,” the best dads prepare to thrive. This book by Brian Young – a proud girl dad – provides six proven practices and strategies for making the most of fatherhood. Honest and gritty, Young hits readers with personal stories, perspective, and wisdom. Plus, Young’s daughters make appearances in each chapter, giving their honest opinion on how certain situations played out and what could have gone better.

Parenting is stressful and challenging! Get support.

BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp

Visit BetterHelp

Books for Dads With Sons

Young men learn a lot from their fathers. Fostering confident, emotionally-aware sons takes consideration, so these books are here to help guide uncertain fathers.

Father to Son, Revised Edition: Life Lessons on Raising a Boy by Harry H. Harrison Jr.12. Father to Son, Revised Edition: Life Lessons on Raising a Boy

This sweet and simple read is more general wisdom than parenting advice, but it’s still a powerful read for dads wanting to do the best for their sons. Practical and hopeful, pragmatic and kind, this book is filled with learned wisdom from one father to another.

Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Mordechai Gottman13. Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child

Emotional intelligence isn’t just for boys, though this guide from Dr. John Gottman is likely to help you raise them all the same. Being aware of a child’s emotions and helping them understand and work through them leads to more confident, emotionally regulated adults. This book outlines how to take these teachable moments and create life-long skills for your child.

Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids by Kim John Payne14. Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids

This is another book that works for children of any gender, but dads with sons can especially benefit from this simple parenting style that empowers and encourages their sons with healthy, flexible authoritative parenting.

Better Dads, Stronger Sons15. Better Dads, Stronger Sons: How Fathers Can Guide Boys to Become Men of Character

So many men struggle to feel confident when it comes to raising their sons. In this insightful, God-centered book, author Rick Johnson talks about how to be a positive role model for your boy, stressing the importance of male bonding, discipline, and spiritual leadership. Learn more about how to protect and provide for sons, despite any lingering feelings of inadequacy or fear. Throughout Better Dads, Stronger Sons, Johnson also reveals ten mistakes to actively avoid when it comes to effective fathering.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Neurological Testing

Neuropsychological Testing For Children (including evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and Learning Disorders). Get answers in weeks, not months. Bend Health provides a complete report with in-depth findings, reviews with your school, and a clinical diagnosis (if applicable). Learn More

Online Therapy & Coaching (ages 1 -17)

Bend Health – is a virtual mental healthcare provider caring for kids, teens, and their families. Many insurance plans are accepted. Learn More

OCD and Children

NOCD – What are the signs of OCD in children? OCD involves unwanted intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that create anxiety, which the child attempts to relieve by performing rituals (compulsions). These rituals can be overt and noticeable (e.g. handwashing, counting, avoiding objects, rearranging materials, etc.) or can be less noticeable or mental (e.g. silently analyzing, reiterating phrases, counting, etc.). To find out if your child has OCD and treatment options, schedule a free 15 minute call with NOCD.

Online Therapy (For Parents)

BetterHelp – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 20,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy.  Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Eating Disorders and Children

Equip – Worried your child might have an eating disorder? It can be overwhelming when your child is showing eating disorder red flags, but you can help. In fact, your help may be critical to getting them the right treatment. Learn more about the signs of eating disorders and what to do if you’re concerned. Explore Equip’s free guide

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp, Equip, NOCD, and Bend Health.

For Further Reading

  • Mental Health America
  • National Alliance on Mental Health
  • MentalHealth.gov

Stories You Might Like


Does My Child Have OCD?

OCD involves unwanted intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that create anxiety, which the child attempts to relieve by performing rituals (compulsions). Read More

A Quick Guide To Children With OCD

The parent of a child with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may feel confused about what their child is experiencing and may be at a loss for the best ways to relieve them of any distress. In this guide, we’ll outline some of the most common signs of OCD in children and the actions caregivers can take to help. Read More

This content is sponsored By NOCD.

Update History

We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.

June 21, 2023
Author: Melissa Boudin, PsyD
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated for readability and clarity. Reviewed and added relevant resources. Added four new titles. New material reviewed by Kristen Fuller, MD.
April 1, 2022
Author: Sandra Calzadilla, LMHC
Reviewer: Rajy Abulhosn, MD
Show more

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