What is The New Fatherhood?
TL;DR: The New Fatherhood is a weekly newsletter on modern fatherhood, providing an open and honest conversation between community of dads who are trying to be a little bit better.
Being a dad has been set in stone for thousands of years: provide some sperm, make sure your family is warm and sheltered, go out and find your children and wife something to eat, and then make sure nothing bad happens to everyone (dad included).
But today, things are very different.
It was thought Hemingway’s greatest contribution to parenting was “For sale: baby shoes, never worn." But he might have accidentally predicted how fatherhood would change in the 21st century: “Slowly at first, and then all at once”.
This newsletter will set out to discuss The New Fatherhood at the beginning of a new decade. Dads are expected to be and do more, under a backdrop of societal and emotional pressures that echo the changes in the definition of motherhood occurring over the last 100 years.
You'll get an email once a week, and maybe a bit more often when I get into the swing of things.
Here are a few reasons to consider subscribing.
Real talk. An open, honest, vulnerable, occasionally-rambling, regularly-insightful and always-interesting look into the changing nature of fatherhood.
Deeper, more meaningful conversations. Those of you I've been talking to about this lately will know this firsthand — I'm determined to move beyond the surface level conversations that dads have about “doing OK” and "you know how it is", to more deeper connections: sharing things we might feel uncomfortable to talk about, but are comfortable doing so in a safe space.
Join a community of like-minded people. A place where open-minded dads can share the highs and lows of being a father — warts and all — as we intentionally work towards being the best parents we can be.
Not all white dudes. Yes, I am one. But as a father to two beautiful biracial children, I want this to be an inclusive, diverse place, where we can promote voices that explore the multi-dimensionality of modern parenting, and that welcomes all, no matter your sex, race, religion or socio-economic background.
A little fun along the way. Damn parenting isn't all introspection and personal development. I'll share some of the most interesting and funny things I find along the way. I promise at least one thing a week that will put a smile on your face.
Written by Kevin Maguire, and featuring a chorus line of contributors representing diverse and under-heard voices across the spectrum of fatherhood.
Join me on this wonderful journey. Please share it with other dads who you think might be interested. And if this doesn't float your boat, please feel free to unsubscribe, at any time, for any reason.
Previously on The New Fatherhood
Here’s a few previous issues that have resonated with other fathers.
You are not your job—thoughts on where career and fatherhood meet
It’s OK to not be OK—my battle with paternal post-natal depression
I also publish regular essays from other writers exploring different perspectives on fatherhood. Here are some of my favourites.
Why subscribe?
You won’t have to worry about missing anything. Every new edition of the newsletter goes directly to your inbox.
Want to get in touch?
I’d love to hear from you. kevin@thenewfatherhood.org
