"The birth of a child opens the doorway to discovering the nurturing qualities within us as men. These discoveries not only benefit our children, our partners, and ourselves, but create a new potential for the society we live in." ---Bruce Linton
I started the Fathers' Forum in 1986 with the belief that our lives as dads could be more meaningful, vital, interesting and enjoyable if we were prepared to become parents. This means being actively involved in the birth process and learning about the transition to parenthood. I found that bringing dads together to explore the challenging and difficult first year of parenthood made a huge difference about how we experienced fatherhood. Themes about understanding our relationship with our own father and appreciating the value of male friendships have often been the focus of our groups.I have found that through the Fathers' Forum I have been able to educate men on how to develop friendships with other dads and be able to discuss with them feelings about parenting and fatherhood.
For over 25 years Dr. Bruce Linton has been facilitating Dad's Groups for Fathers of Young Children and teaching a "Becoming a Father" class in Berkeley, California. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in working with fathers and couples with young children. Bruce received his Ph.D for his research on ‘Men’s Development as Fathers from Pregnancy to a Year Post–Partum.”
This 2-1/2 hr. class will be offered on Saturday, January 14, 2012
1:00PM to 3:30PM at The Fathers' Forum in Berekley, Ca
We live in a society and culture that does little to prepare us as men for the important experience of childbirth and the transition to parenthood. This two hour class is designed to help men understand how the process of childbirth and becoming a father may effect them. Come join us in this class as we discuss the emotional, and social adjustments men experience in the process of becoming a father.
At the conclusion of this class the expectant father should: (1) be more confident about the childbirth experience (2) feel reduced stress and anxiety about becoming a father.
Cost is $25 (sliding scale for those in need) To register call the Fathers' Forum (510) 644-0300.
Meets Every Other Wednesday Night 7:45 pm to 9:30 pm (group limited to 7 men) $60 per month
The focus of the Fathers' Forum Men's Group for new fathers is to share and explore with a small group of men our hopes, aspirations and challenges of being fathers. We live in a culture that does not prepare us as men to become fathers and often does not recognize or value the role of the father in the family.
Our group will explore the cultural and social myths of fatherhood, our relationship with our own fathers, changes in the relationships with our partners, balancing careers and family, changes in sexuality, expressing anger and frustration, and the diversity of parenting styles for fathers.
The group is limited to 7 men. Bi-monthly meetings are held in the East Bay Wednesday nights at 7:45 pm to 9:30 pm. Cost is $60 per month.
To register call the Fathers' Forum (510) 644-0300.
Congratulations on getting ready to be a dad...the great adventure of fatherhood is beginning! Pregnancy is the time to begin to prepare for becoming a father. There are many changes dads-to-be experience in these three articles I give you an overview of what you may experience in each trimester of pregnancy. I've included some helpful hints that other expectant dads have found useful too.
Here is your month-by-month guide for the first year of fatherhood!
The adjustment we make as we go from "Man to Dad" is the most profound developmental transition of our adult lives. In the "First twelve Months of Fatherhood" I offer you an overview of some of the changes you may be experiencing as a new father. I include suggestions recommended to me by other new fathers on how to make the most out of this most important first year of fatherhood.
If you can't attend a Fathers' Forum class or group consider purchasing the DVD "Becoming a Father" or the book "Finding Time for Fatherhood, men's concerns as parents."
Dr. Linton's book and film take you inside the Fathers' Forum and offer an intimate "glimpse" at the feelings men express with each other about becoming fathers and parenting.
Recent reviews from Amazon.com
Becoming a Father - a great resource
As a provider of new mother's groups, I am so often made aware of our culture's focus on the role of mothers with very little support for the role of fathers. This film brings into focus the crucial role of fathers and the changing values men experience as they become parents.
An Excellent Glimpse into Contemporary Fatherhood
In Bruce Linton's "Becoming a Father" DVD, a voice is finally given to contemporary fatherhood. We are given a first hand glimpse into some of the struggles, dreams, hopes and confusion, that new fathers may face.
Reviews of Finding Time for Fatherhood, men's concerns as parents
Bruce has put his finger on the vital issues of how to be a man and a father today. A great resource for an individual dad, or for fathers' groups.---Doug Spanger, author of "Fatherhood: an owners manual.
A crisp, poignant, self-revealing and powerfully instructive book that will provide a great deal of previously unavailable support, guidance and inspiration to all us men who want to be good fathers but have never known just how to think and talk about the role.---Terry Kuppers, MD, author Revisioning Men's Lives
