Wade through the abundance of parenting books on the market, and you'll find most are meant for mommies' eyes. But dads can gain a lot from reading too! These book selections are top-rated for dads of twins, triplets or more, providing optimal information to help them strengthen their relationship with the family, while presenting the material in a manner that respects their role.
1. Raising Multiple Birth Children
Written by parents of triplets, this must-have survival guide is an excellent collection of true-to-life, practical advice on managing -- and even enjoying -- life with multiples. Many books about multiples focus on the mother's perspective, but this is peppered with comments and suggestions from fathers as well.
2. 101 Secrets A Good Dad Knows
Ever wish there was a book that taught all the little things that dads are supposed to know? Like how to fix a bike, tie a tie or build a campfire? This is your book. Included along with the practical information are sweet life lessons -- "Good Dad Observations" -- that will make any dad a hero.
3. Entwined Lives
No other book celebrates the unique relationship of multiples -- and their contributions to society -- than this fascinating work by Nancy Segal (a twin herself). Dads who read this will truly appreciate the special blessing of fathering multiples.4. 365 Ways to Calm Your Crying Baby
Face it, babies cry. Multiple babies cry, well, a lot -- two, three, four or more times as much. Dads who want to avoid feeling helpless and frustrated by all that crying, would do well to arm themselves with this book. It's funny and endearing, written by an understanding pediatrician and father. Even if it doesn't completely control all that crying, you'll still have fun trying!5. Dads and Daughters
Much attention has been focused lately on the crucial stage of female adolescence. Joe Kelly's new work, subtitled "How to Inspire, Understand, and Support Your Daughter When She's Growing Up So Fast," is a don't-leave-home-without-it guide to dealing with daughters. Joe's not just any ordinary dad either; he's raised twin girls!6. Father to Son: Life Lessons on Raising a Boy
With sweet and succinct lessons similar to "100 Secrets A Good Dad Knows" (see above), this book focuses on building a strong relationship between dads and sons. It does so by doling out quips of wisdom and simple suggestions that foster respect, morality, and self-worth. There's not a lot of novel ideas, but like "Crying Baby," it can't hurt to try out some of the suggestions.7. Twins!: Pregnancy, Birth & the First Year of Life
This is the "What to Expect" of having multiples. This popular book led a new wave of publications in the late 1990's, as multiple birth rates soared and parents clamored for up-to-date information. Written by two medical specialists who are leaders in the field of multiple pregnancy and high-risk infant care, it is a comprehensive approach to twin pregnancy, delivery and postpartum care.8. Guess How Much I Love You
Here's a children's book to read -- and read again! A sweet bedtime sendoff, and one of the few that acknowledges a father's love rather than focusing on mom's. As Big Nut Brown Hare settles Little Nut Brown Hare in bed for the night, they explore the depth of their love for each other.9. Rich Dad, Poor Dad
What do dads want for their kids? I suppose they want them to be healthy, wealthy and wise. This book aims to accomplish the wealthy part by strategizing that the poor work for their money, while the rich have their money work for them. Heavy on motivation and light on specifics, it's an interesting read nonetheless.10. The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips & Advice for Dads-to-Be
All fathers-to-be can benefit from the guidance included here, covering the emotional, financial and physical impacts of the transition to parenthood. Although the updates in the new (2001) edition contain some basics specific to multiples, it doesn't cover the subject in-depth enough to be considered a substitute for other works, like "Twins!" or the Lauts' "Raising Multiple Birth Children."