The Ultimate Guide for Gay Dads: Everything You Need to Know About LGBTQ Parenting But Are (Mostly) Afraid to Ask

How is being a dad who is gay different than being just a dad, or just a parent in general? There aren't too many differences but the differences that do exist can be significant. There are the obvious differences in how we have our children, but even straight couples who can't reproduce biologically face similar challenges. Eric covers all of that. The areas where this book stands out have to do with our truly unique experiences and logistical considerations, almost all of which are man-made in nature. Meaning they are due to challenges we face not because of our being gay and parents, but because of how others react to our being gay and parents. Unlike straights parents no matter their location or marital status, gay dads (and lesbian moms) have to jump through additional hoops from the legal (will a state we visit or move to recognize us as a legal parent? Not always, so we must be prepared), to the cultural (will our child's new school be supportive of, or antagonistic towards, us? It can never be taken for granted, and can change throughout the course of a child's time in a school). Eric's book touches on these and other unique considerations, and provides feedback from dads who have had to deal with them in the real world. That's what makes this book valuable to gay dads and insightful to those who wish to support our families - meaning you future grandparents, aunts, uncles, and close family friends. This is a perfect companion to Eric's first parenting book, Journey to Same-Sex Parenthood. Together they provide 360 coverage on the topic and will be eye-opening on many levels.

This book was a really fantastic resource for my husband and me as we became new dads. So many books for new parents are geared for straight couples and women specifically, with large focuses on topics such as nursing and taking care of the baby while recovering from labor/c-section that were not relevant to us. This book really cuts to the chase and addresses both universal parenting questions (what baby products are really necessary?) and issues and questions that are specific to gay parents, such as suggestions on how to address awkward or discriminatory questions from strangers when out with the baby in public, and how to navigate legal issues such as pre-birth order for surrogacy. We continue referring to this book now that our baby has joined the family. Highly recommended.

My husband and I are currently pregnant with our first child via surrogacy, and this book was the very first book we read once we had confirmation of a pregnancy. There are certainly very few if any resources out there on the topic, so I was ecstatic to find one that spoke directly to us. A majority of the book prepares you for having a newborn, but I also loved the addition of sections that help you how to deal with questions you'll undoubtedly get, LGBTQ resources + groups, etc. If you're considering going through surrogacy or adoption, I highly recommend this amazing book.

This has been a wonderful addition to the library I manage and very helpful to patrons. I can tell this book comes from real life experoence as well as excellent research. This combination is what makes this book truly useful to LBGTQ families who are considering having a family. The information provided is first-rate on adoption and what you need to know before setting about adopting a child. The legal advice is great as well as all the practical aspects of parenting. Every gay man who wants to be a parent needs to read this book.

Mostly useful

A Must Have for any gay man/couple thinking about starting a family or already raising children! So much of the literature available is geared towards the perspective of male-female relationships and parenting. What is genius about this book is it's like being inside the brain of a gay male raising a baby, young child or older child. Whether you are in the process of adopting a newborn, are in a relationship with someone who already has children, are thinking about fostering to adopt or even embarking on a surrogacy journey this book covers it. Everything you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask is presented in a straightforward way. But what's really interesting and useful are the tidbits that you don't normally see like how to deal with the prying questions of strangers about your family unit and the more practical sides of parenting like how to baby proof your house in a fashionable way. I found myself laughing out loud reading this while at the same time making mental notes and notes in the margin for future reference. Eric Rosswood has clearly been in the trenches and is a fierce advocate for our community and I highly recommend this book. My only negative comment would be now that I've read it I find myself wanting more!

For any gay man considering adoption (or surrogacy, etc), like myself, this book is for you. A lot of the book will cover all the usual baby preparedness stuff, in an entertaining way, but where this book really excels is in the unique situations a gay parent will encounter. It answered all the questions I had that have made me nervous about adopting a child, as a gay man. As a result, I now feel more prepared to take on fatherhood. Thanks so much Ross!

Just received my book and can't put it down! So much information in regards to being a gay dad and life with our children. Love the section in regards to Gay Dads raising daughters this will be useful information in the future. I especially enjoy the real life stories and tips that are throughout the book. If you are planning on becoming a dad via surrogacy, adoption or the old fashion way I highly recommend getting this book.

It was very Good.

We're looking to adopt and doing some research. We found this book helpful and has some good tips on ways to build a bond.

Great for new gay dads

This book is very helpful, fun and easy to read

Trying to convey lots of information in one book. Not quite sure when gay dads would buy this? If thinking about starting a family would you need a book talking about buying bras for teenager girls? If you have a baby (or one on the way) you'll get much better, up to date advice via the latest baby books. There are better books out there describing the LGBT parenting experience.