"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.”
in Berkeley, Calif. The next workshop is July 6, 2013
Call (510) 644-0300
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 $35 (sliding scale for those in need) To register call the Fathers' Forum (510) 644-0300.
Meets Every Other Wednesday Night 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm (group limited to 7 men) $70 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 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Cost is $70 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.
Reviews of Becoming a Dad, how fatherhood changes men...
With refreshing sensibility and honesty, Dr. Linton takesus into an insightful and personally inspiring account of how men can welcome and celebrate the unique and life-changing transformations brought forth by fatherhood. This is an essential read for all fathers and fathers-to-be. ~ Jaime Nisenbaum, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist
“Becoming a Dad” busts the myths of fatherhood and displays a refreshingly honest spectrum of emotions and experiences. Bruce eloquently and openly conveys the importance of dads to every relationship within the family. This is a must-read for new moms too!
~Shoshana Bennett, Ph.D. Author, Postpartum Depression for Dummies
Poignantly written this book encourages a thoughtful and intentional approach to emotionally engaged parenting. It will serve as an excellent guide for new and expecting fathers helping them feel less alone in their journey through parenthood. ~Gina Hassan Ph.D. Psychologist and co-founder of Perinatal Psychotherapy Services
Bruce Linton gives practical and wise guidance from the actual lives of fathers that lays a solid footing to face the challenges of raising children and whatever life may bring
~Don Elium, MA MFT, Best Selling Author of Raising a Son
Bruce creates a safe environment for father's to embrace their children in the modern struggle between work and family. Fathers will benefit from his empathic support to put love in equal balance to work in their personal lives.
Bruce's book lights the way on what is often a winding road for men. His voice remains very present as they are inspired to make their own personal meanings of fathering. ~Eric Buck, MFT, Sacramento Psychotherapist, Author, One Eye Crying: Split Ego, Split Self
If you can't attend a Fathers' Forum class or group consider purchasing the DVD "Becoming a Father" or the book "Becoming a Dad, how fatherhood changes men."
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.
