Dad's Information Centre

You are here: home → Parent Resources → Dad's Information Centre

Parenting Resources for dads

"Fathering is not just second hand mothering. Babies need a father in action too" said Richard Fletcher, academic and author of 'The Dad Factor' Fathers often underestimate how important they really are to their children. Fathers are just as important as mothers. Tweddle are dedicated to supporting dads as well as mums. This page features links, blogs, resources and recommended books to help dads with the challenging role of parenting.

Dads get postnatal depression too

A review of popular parenting and mental health websites has shown how, when it comes to dealing with postnatal depression, dads are often overlooked. One in seven mums will suffer from depression after the birth of a child, said Dr Fletcher from the University of Newcastle. "This means that just as many fathers have a new baby, a wife or partner who is miserable and very little support," he said. "... knowing all about postnatal depression in general will not help you if your baby is crying in one room, your wife is sobbing in another, and you are trying to clean up and leave for work on time. You need to know three things: how to support her, how to look after yourself and how to connect really well with your baby"

Download Tweddle's Postnatal Depression Fact sheet here

Tweddle resources for dads

The publication Fathers Matter, offers practical information for fathers on bonding with your children, everyday fatherhood, rough and tumble play and parenting after separation. Being a father is one of the most rewarding life experiences a man can have. This publication describes the rewards and benefits of choosing to be an involved father, and what that means for men and their children. The booklet also has an extensive list of the services available for fathers.

Hey Dad, Fatherhood - First 12 months is a helpful book produced by Beyond Blue and Ngala with helpful information for new dads. Supportive, realistic and practical advice is given around the pregnancy and birth, including supports and organising time off work, handling a new baby, your baby's brain, getting to know your baby, your relationship with your partner, post natal depression in both parents, feeding, playing and sleep.

To print out this parenting resource, see: Hey Dad, Fatherhood-First 12 months

To read online or print out this new parenting resource, see: Fathers Matter (PDF - 1.9Mb)

BLOGS and websites for Dads

Warren Cann is CEO of the Parenting Research Centre. 'Fathering Hacks' is a blog about parenting with a fathering twist http://www.fatheringhacks.com/

In this 'The Conversation' article, Rebecca Giallo, Senior Research Fellow at the Parenting Research Centre and Associate at RMIT talks about the outcomes of a longitudinal study which found approximately one in ten dads report high levels of distress in the first year after having a baby.

TackleNappy is a hub for dads, a comfort zone where first time and accomplished dads can find real parenting tips, humour and great resources http://www.tacklenappy.com

Visit the offical facebook page of the best Aussie Daddy Bloggers Down Under. They share info, blogs, articles and links all realated to being a Dad.

In his honest and funny blog Dad Down Under, Matt invites dads to share their stories and join him on his journey into dadhood, which as he reveals, can be a tough one. Mums welcome.

Men at Birth edited by David Vernon published by Finch. Men at Birth is a collection of stories written by Australian men, for men, about their experiences of being at the birth of their children. Men at Birth includes many heartfelt stories including how Dave Cowling had heard about women experiencing postnatal depression but he never expected it would happen to him. Order the book here

The Dad Factor by Richard Fletcher published by Finch. This groundbreaking book explores many fascinating new understandings of the importance of a father in a child's life and explains why a father's involvement with his child, right from birth, is vitally important to the development of a child's brain and emotional stability. Order the book here

What Happens Now by Nick Carr. Your first time? A bit nervous? Not sure what happens now? Welcome, first-time father, to the mysterious world of parenting. Expecting your first baby is wonderful, perplexing and at times downright terrifying. As well as all the excitement, a lot of first-time dads can also feel confused, frustrated and a bit left out. If this is you, relax, sit back and dip into What Happens Now? Nick Carr is a doctor, father and parenting expert who will help you navigate your way through these unfamiliar waters. From the sometimes mystifying world of antenatal care, to the sleep deprived baby period, Nick examines the experiences and feelings of the new dad - order the book here