Dad Brain

A groundbreaking exploration of how fatherhood transforms men’s brains, bodies, health, skills and relationships - showing that men are wired to participate in care, just as women are. 'Wonderful . . . it tells us why becoming a dad is so incredibly good for you' Independent ‘Compelling . . . terrific ’ New Scientist 'Fascinating . . . lucid' The Times In recent years men’s attitudes to fatherhood have changed dramatically. But only now are we learning how profoundly fatherhood changes men’s brains and biology – and the effects these changes have on their health, skills, relationships and sense of purpose. In Dad Brain , one of the world’s leading researchers of fatherhood, Darby Saxbe, provides a captivating account of this new science, revealing that: • Fathers’ brains shrink and their testosterone drops • Fathers undergo a host of hormonal changes once thought only to affect women • Fathers can suffer post-partum depression but enjoy better long-term health • Fathers’ style of play makes their kids more resilient • Dads who do more housework are generally happier Above all, Dad Brain shows that these are all crucial adaptations that enable better parenting but they only come online when fathers invest time into parenthood: the more they do, the more they change for the better. Ultimately it shows a good father is not something you are, it is something you become . 'Saxbe’s deeply researched and entertaining book fills a crucial gap in our understanding' Financial Times ‘Saxbe wants to debunk the stereotype that parenting does not come naturally to men and . . . takes particular aim at the myth that they “lack the biology for it”’ Sunday Times

A groundbreaking exploration of how fatherhood transforms men’s brains, bodies, health, skills and relationships - showing that men are wired to participate in care, just as women are. 'Wonderful . . . it tells us why becoming a dad is so incredibly good for you' Independent ‘Compelling . . . terrific ’ New Scientist 'Fascinating . . . lucid' The Times In recent years men’s attitudes to fatherhood have changed dramatically. But only now are we learning how profoundly fatherhood changes men’s brains and biology – and the effects these changes have on their health, skills, relationships and sense of purpose. In Dad Brain , one of the world’s leading researchers of fatherhood, Darby Saxbe, provides a captivating account of this new science, revealing that: • Fathers’ brains shrink and their testosterone drops • Fathers undergo a host of hormonal changes once thought only to affect women • Fathers can suffer post-partum depression but enjoy better long-term health • Fathers’ style of play makes their kids more resilient • Dads who do more housework are generally happier Above all, Dad Brain shows that these are all crucial adaptations that enable better parenting but they only come online when fathers invest time into parenthood: the more they do, the more they change for the better. Ultimately it shows a good father is not something you are, it is something you become . 'Saxbe’s deeply researched and entertaining book fills a crucial gap in our understanding' Financial Times ‘Saxbe wants to debunk the stereotype that parenting does not come naturally to men and . . . takes particular aim at the myth that they “lack the biology for it”’ Sunday Times

A groundbreaking exploration of the science and significance of fatherhood that shows great dads are made, not born Over the last decade, we've learned more about the transformative power of parenthood--biologically, psychologically, and socially--than ever before. But while the experience of motherhood has attracted well-deserved attention, fatherhood has remained overlooked and, often, misunderstood. Now, in Dad Brain , field-leading psychologist Darby Saxbe, PhD, explains how becoming a father changes men, from their bodies and brain architecture to their hormones and sense of purpose. Inspired by her relationship with her dad, Saxbe has studied fathers and families for over twenty years. In her first book, she takes readers behind the scenes of her new research and around the world, from hunter-gatherers in the Congo to contemporary suburban dads, and into her pioneering studies of how parenthood shapes men's brains and lives. Readers may be surprised to learn that, in addition to altering a dad's hormones and health (yes, men experience postpartum depression, and "dad bod" is real), parenthood can also benefit men. Dads who spend time with their kids sharpen their paternal instincts and even show more youthful brains in later life. Dads' unique approach to play makes kids more resilient, and fathers bring new insights to workplaces and build better societies. Ultimately, fatherhood can help men discover a richer, more connected, and more meaningful life. For fans of science-based storytelling that is also irreverent, funny, and personal, Dad Brain offers an illuminating, empowering, and optimistic new understanding of fatherhood that will become a must-read for every parent.

A groundbreaking exploration of the science and significance of fatherhood that shows great dads are made, not born Over the last decade, we've learned more about the transformative power of parenthood--biologically, psychologically, and socially--than ever before. But while the experience of motherhood has attracted well-deserved attention, fatherhood has remained overlooked and, often, misunderstood. Now, in Dad Brain , field-leading psychologist Darby Saxbe, PhD, explains how becoming a father changes men, from their bodies and brain architecture to their hormones and sense of purpose. Inspired by her relationship with her dad, Saxbe has studied fathers and families for over twenty years. In her first book, she takes readers behind the scenes of her new research and around the world, from hunter-gatherers in the Congo to contemporary suburban dads, and into her pioneering studies of how parenthood shapes men's brains and lives. Readers may be surprised to learn that, in addition to altering a dad's hormones and health (yes, men experience postpartum depression, and "dad bod" is real), parenthood can also benefit men. Dads who spend time with their kids sharpen their paternal instincts and even show more youthful brains in later life. Dads' unique approach to play makes kids more resilient, and fathers bring new insights to workplaces and build better societies. Ultimately, fatherhood can help men discover a richer, more connected, and more meaningful life. For fans of science-based storytelling that is also irreverent, funny, and personal, Dad Brain offers an illuminating, empowering, and optimistic new understanding of fatherhood that will become a must-read for every parent.