Better Dads, Stronger Sons: How Fathers Can Guide Boys to Become Men of Character

This is a most phenomenal read! As a military man and a deployed husband and father this book inspired me to begin having a better and closer relationship with my son. I've been absent even when I was in the US and at home, but have decided to become more active because of Rick's motivating story. If you feel lost as a father and want to grow in that role with some godly advice, read this book!!

Personally, I believe that being a parent is one of the most important jobs on Earth. Seems rather obvious to me, but it's amazing how many people think that just because you can physically father a child, it qualifies you to be a Real father. We study for new jobs, we study for the SAT's, we even study the manual on how to hook up our new surround sound, but doesn't raising a child with good character affect eternity in a much stronger sense? Since my ex wouldn't read it, I did (I'm the mom). I enjoyed it so much I purchased the mother's version, "That's My Son." My son is only 18 months right now, but I'm of the opinion that a little effort now will save me much headache and heartache in the future. Even if you are not a 'reader,' please make the effort.

my husband is currently deployed while i am pregnant with our first baby, a son. I bought him this book and he said its a great read and that it was really applicable to his life.

How often in your life do you find such value in a book that you purchase extra copies to give away? I recently purchased my second order of four. I so enjoy giving this to friends and clients with Boy(s). There is no other job or challenge harder than parenting and one that you have virtually zero training. EVERY Father should read and re-read this book, period.

At a time when there is a renewed emphasis on the importance of Fathers, BETTER DADS, STRONGER SONS provides an excellent guide for anyone who would like to have a part in helping to build a generation of stronger young men. By following the Biblical principles and practical applications outlined here, parenting can become a more exciting and less formidable role for every man who is a father. While much of the material will not be new to those who have sought guidance in parenting, Rick Johnson presents it in a dynamic format that inspires follow-up. His list of "The Top Ten Mistakes that Fathers Make" is enlightening. It includes not only the expected "Giving too little time" but also "Forgetting to have fun" and "Being complacent and passive." Johnson covers many other topics that often are avoided or given the scripture treatment: i.e. the Bible says don't do, so don't do it. He discusses sex, respect, and the importance of showing love toward the boy's mother. Each chapter is filled with examples, inserted highlights and Biblical references, and is followed by several suggestions for reflection and application. Used as a guide, these are sure to trigger more ideas that a man could develop to meet his own situation. For example, in the chapter "Making a Noble Man," one of the suggestions is to "Tell your son what you think makes a man. Ask him what character traits he thinks are manly." A follow-up might be to rent several "guy" movies and discuss whether the heroes were manly or simply macho. Rick Johnson not only has written a timely book, he also founded Better Dads, an organization dedicated to equipping men to be better fathers. He delivers training workshops to businesses, churches and schools. Like many in the field, the author lived his subject. He was raised in a chaotic home where he did not get the fathering he needed. As a result, he spent his early adulthood trying to fill that void with drugs, alcohol and looking for love in all the wrong places. His epiphany came with the birth of his first son, and with God's help he has become devoted to forging a better path for future generations. --- Reviewed by Maggie Harding, a substance abuse counselor in Phoenix, AZ. who wanted to be Brenda Starr before life intervened. She reviews for www.bookreporter.com and www.womenonwriting.com. To contact Maggie, e-mail [email protected].