I often hear the comment “kids don’t come with manuals” which doesn’t make sense to me. We have books on almost every subject imaginable. There are books on how to talk like a pirate, about tapeworms, a practical guide on how to date women, a Do-It Yourself coffin construction book and volumes of books on bathroom etiquette. There’s even a book entitled “The Book of Everything”. So why would you think there’s no books on raising children? The answer is there are thousands of books, websites, documentaries and newsletters devoted to recommending ways that you can best raise your children. The problem is we don’t bother to read them until there’s a problem.
As Father’s Day comes and goes this year, let me offer a list of fathering resources that will help you feel like “Father of the Year” this time next year. This list is designed for the short- fused, attention-challenged and emotionally-shorted man, so for most of us this is perfect. Keeping that in mind, I chose assets that tell stories, are more practical than technical, are less than 250 pages or take less than 3 minutes to read each day.
The newsletter All Pro Dad is a daily reminder of our importance as fathers. Many of you have heard of its spokesperson Tony Dungy and have read his books. Register at http://www.allprodad.com/pod/signup.php to make a 2-minute investment each day for the good of your family.
Meg Meeker has written two of my favorite books, Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters and Boys Should be Boys. Readers of the newsletter probably already know of my fondness for Dr. Meeker who writes entertaining and helpful information that surpasses the usual stuff about fathering.
John Rosemond is respected by many people as a parenting expert, and is possibly despised by just as many. He writes a weekly newsletter offering a sharp wit with his practical advice. If you’re the type of guy who hears something and thinks to himself “that doesn’t make sense”, then this guy is for you. John’s weekly newsletter can be found at http://www.rosemond.com/.
