As a dad, I’ve come to realize two things: parenting doesn’t come with a manual, and no two kids are the same. But here’s the good news—books can be a lifeline. Over the years, I’ve stumbled across books that weren’t just entertaining but genuinely helped me become a better dad. So, as we head into 2025, I wanted to share my personal list of must-read books for dads. Whether you’re a new dad, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, these books will speak to you.
1. “The Dad’s Playbook to Parenting” by James Simmons
This one was a game-changer for me. Simmons takes the sports analogy and runs with it (pun intended). The book is packed with practical advice, told in a way that makes you feel like you’re huddling with your team on game day. The chapters on setting boundaries and leading by example resonated the most with me. It’s like having a coach in your corner, giving you the pep talk you didn’t know you needed.
2. “Raising Emotionally Strong Boys” by David Thomas
As a dad to a son, this book hit home. David Thomas dives deep into the emotional challenges boys face growing up and how we, as dads, can guide them. One chapter, in particular, stuck with me—it talked about teaching boys that vulnerability isn’t weakness. I’ve had some heartfelt conversations with my son since reading this, and it’s made a world of difference in our relationship.
3. “All Joy and No Fun” by Jennifer Senior
Okay, I’ll be honest—this book title scared me at first. But once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. Jennifer Senior takes a deep dive into the modern parenting experience, and it’s incredibly relatable. It’s not a “how-to” guide but more of a reflection on how parenting changes us as people. It helped me embrace the chaos and find joy in the little moments, even when things feel overwhelming.
4. “How to Be a Happier Parent” by KJ Dell’Antonia
This book is a must-read for any dad (or parent) trying to balance work, family, and everything in between. What I loved about KJ Dell’Antonia’s approach is that she doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of parenting but offers realistic strategies to make family life smoother. For me, the biggest takeaway was about letting go of perfection and embracing "good enough." It was liberating and honestly made me a better dad.
5. “The Whole-Brain Child” by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
This book blew my mind—literally. It delves into the science of how kids’ brains work and offers practical ways to nurture their development. I’ve used the tips in this book countless times during meltdowns or tough conversations. It’s like having a secret weapon in your parenting toolkit. Plus, understanding the “why” behind your kids’ behavior makes it so much easier to navigate the “how” of dealing with it.
6. “Dad’s Guide to Toddlerhood” by Adam Carpenter
If you’re in the trenches of toddler parenting, this book is your survival guide. Adam Carpenter’s humor and no-nonsense advice made me laugh out loud while giving me tools to handle tantrums, picky eating, and endless energy. Reading this felt like chatting with a friend who truly gets it.
Parenting is no small feat, but these books have reminded me that I’m not alone in the journey. Each one offers unique perspectives and practical advice that have helped me grow as a dad. So, grab one (or all) of these books in 2025—you won’t regret it! Having the right book at the right time might just make all the difference.
