Pat Byrnes worked at home and made his own hours. His wife's job (Illinois Attorney General) was not so flexible. So when the first baby came, he naively volunteered to go where few men have gone before and stay home with the kids. On one condition. He wouldn't be called Mr. Mom, but . . . Captain Dad.
Byrnes has collected his insights in the first book about stay-at-home fatherhood by a professional humorist who has lived the part. He reports on the front lines of modern parenting, tackling all of the expected subjects, like sleep deprivation and the constant battle against Disney for your child's affections. But he also covers the less expected, more random moments on the job and the surprising insights they offer. From the absurd pride that comes from being able to change a diaper almost anywhere to the surprising talent you develop for improvising answers to Life's Most Important Questions, such as "Why is bird poop white?" With wit, pith, and vinegar, Byrnes examines this hitherto unexamined life-and finds it worth living.
Industry Reviews
"This very funny book is full of useful information that first-time dads are unlikely to find elsewhere. For example: Wear a cup."-Dave Barry, author of the New York Times bestseller Insane City"A hilarious, insightful look at the splendors (?) of parenting through the eyes of a stay-at-home dad. Spoiler alert: He survives!"-Roz Chast, New Yorker cartoonist"This entertaining and informative book is written by one of America's 158,000 stay-at-home dads. But it's just as relevant to the other 25 million dads. And moms. And grandparents. And on and on." -AJ Jacobs, New York Times best-selling author of The Year of Living Biblically, The Know-It-All, and Drop Dead Healthy "An absolutely delightful addition to the parenting canon from 'Captain Dad' (don't call him 'Mr. Mom') Pat Byrnes. Captain Dad illustrates (literally, with a dozen or so laugh-out-loud cartoons) the 'manly art' of stay-at-home parenting. He pulls it off with great wit, warmth, and some bombshell revelations. Never would I think of a jockstrap as part of the parenting uniform or that (outrageously!) dads don't have 'potty parity' in diaper changing rooms. And as a mom, this is a must-have book for sweet vindication alone. Captain Dad confirms that when it comes to fulltime parenting, wimps need not apply. Welcome, Captain Dad, to our tired, unwashed, unpaid, and undervalued army. Now, let's get you some yoga pants!" -Linda Keenan, author of Suburgatory "With a healthy serving of humor and loads of practical tips, Pat Byrnes walks us through the daring, difficult, and ultimately rewarding life of the stay-at-home dad. He celebrates the vocation through his hilarious and sometimes moving personal vignettes and gives first-time dads an almost unfair head start. If I were giving grades, I'd give Captain Dad an A." -Justin Roberts, Grammy-nominated children's musician "Just in time for Father's Day, Lyons Press will release Captain Dad: The Manly Art of Stay-at-Home Parenting by Pat Byrnes. . . . His stories and insights will likely resonate with many families." -Publishers Weekly
