Palo Alto, California (PRWEB) May 16, 2013
When faced with first-time fatherhood at the age of 49, I didn't know whether to celebrate with champagne or hemlock. But it's turned out to be the best thing I've ever done," writes author Len Filppu in PRIME TIME DADS: 45 Reasons to Embrace Midlife Fatherhood to be released on Fathers Day, June 16, 2013.
The new non-fiction parenting book puts forth in humorous, heartfelt, real-life essays the radical notion that mature men are well-suited for the foxhole of fatherhood, and that rather than being just better late than never, midlife fatherhood can actually be better later.
Filppu, a regular blogger for Huffington Post Parents, is father to a healthy and thriving 13-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter. He understands that later-in-life fatherhood is not for everyone. Midlife fatherhood is not for the faint-hearted, frail, or fumbling, he said. Its for those with a big appetite for life, a life that can sometimes teeter on the frazzled edge. Around our house, its often more like Ozzie Osbourne than Ozzy and Harriet.
PRIME TIME DADS, published by Bright Lights Press (http://www.brightlightspress.com) of Palo Alto, California, launches on Fathers Day, June 16, 2013, and will be available as a print book for $ 14.95 and as an ebook for $ 9.99 through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and most other major book retailers.
Larry King Weighs In
Broadcast legend and late blooming father Larry King said of the book, Later life fatherhood keeps me young, keeps me vital, and makes me feel relevant each and every day. I urge you to read PRIME TIME DADS. Its point of view is young and vital and relevant each and every page.
Many Benefits of Midlife Fatherhood
I discovered with great surpriseand even greater reliefthat as a mature man, I could tap into my accumulated reservoir of life experiences and skills to help me be an effective father, said Filppu. For example, since Ive already sowed my wild oats, Im no longer driven by youthful passing passions. I know myself better and Im more ready to settle down to family life.
Im more patient, empathetic, compassionate, and wise, continued Filppu. I have greater job flexibility so I can juggle my schedule to spend more time with my kids. And a bit more money and experience solving problems certainly helps keep things afloat.
Addressing lifes ultimate question, Filppu said, And because I've seen more of death and am closer to its inevitability, my appreciation for life is keener. I know I dont have forever, so instead of mindlessly postponing doing things with my children and putting off those seemingly mundane parental moments, I make a conscious effort every single day to engage fully with my kids. All these attributes, and more, of the mature man aid in my ability to parent and directly benefit my children.
Not Just for Men
While PRIME TIME DADS is must reading for men of all ages contemplating fatherhood, its also relevant for the women who love them, and makes the perfect gift for any mature man who could use an encouraging, enlightening word about later-blooming fatherhood.
Best-selling author Adriana Trigiana (http://www.adrianatrigiani.com/) said of the book, "Len Filppu has written a hilarious, heartfelt, and fresh take on midlife fatherhood in PRIME TIME DADS. This is a superb how-to manual for parents everywhere. It's also the perfect gift for the man in your life. Brimming with common sense and filled with helpful hints, it's a celebration of fatherhood written by a dad who clearly loves every moment of it. A home run!"
David Carnoy, Executive Editor of CNET, author of The Big Exit and co-author of Fathers of a Certain Age: The Joys and Problems of Middle-Aged Fatherhood said, "PRIME TIME DADS takes a fun, optimistic look at what it's like to be an 'older' father. While this book is geared toward men aged around 40 or so, women who are involved with so-called 'reluctant dads' would be wise to leave it out in a conspicuous place where it might be easily discovered."
Facing Facts
Filppu acknowledges that recent studies show there may be greater risks of conditions such as autism and schizophrenia to children born of older dads. Evidence is pointing toward increased risks. But conception does not guarantee perfection, whatever the age of the parents, he said. I am not a doctor, and I cannot properly evaluate or advise on these important topics. Each couple must gain as much knowledge as possible before proceeding with parenthood in midlife or at any age.
In his Huffington Post Parents column (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/len-filppu/what-times-article-on-older-dads-misses_b_3147777.html) about Time magazines recent article on older dads, Filppu writes, There is rich treasure to be mined for the men and woman who choose or face the potentiality of midlife fatherhood. Diamonds are created from pressure and pearls from irritation. Older dads are just a bit further along in the process of becoming true gems.
Turning Negatives into Positives
What about the energy and stamina required to raise young children? I often tell people that my children will either keep me young or put me in an early grave and that the jury is still out, Filppu said. Its good for a chuckle, but the truth is, Im convinced more every year that my kids are keeping me young.
You see, he continued, being a dad in midlife is not about superficial externals such as dying one's hair or getting a facelift. It's an inside job. It's about accepting the unique realities and learning to accentuate the many attributes mature men bring to the table. This inside job process led me to a consciousness that transforms seeming negatives into positives.
For example, Filppu continued, I thought running around after a poopy toddler would tire me. In fact, these chores help keep me in shape and prod me toward better fitness, food, and a philosophy of fun. I thought younger parents would exclude me because I was older. But I learned parenthood is the great equalizer, and it's brought me closer to other human beings, the moms and dads, whatever their ages, because most of us realize we're all in this tot pot together. I feared I would not have the energy for Boy Scouts and Little League and swim team and school plays. But these activities have become energizing joys that enrich my life in ever surprising twists and turns. The happier and more effective I am as a dad, the better off are my children and the family.
Read more about PRIME TIME DADS: 45 Reasons to Embrace Midlife Fatherhood at http://www.primetimedads.com, read Len Filppus Huffington Post Parents blogs at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/len-filppu/, and follow him on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/MidlifeDad. For publisher Bright Lights Press, contact info(at)BrightLightsPress(dot)com.
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