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This blog is the work of an educated civilian, not of an expert in the fields discussed.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

All Pro Dad

I received this free from the Book Sneeze program in return for a review. This book is by a former football player who founded "Family First," which has a mission "to strengthen the family by establishing family as a top priority in people's lives and by promoting principles for building marriages and raising children." [website]

The stresses of sports, including for fans, makes it helpful to remember that it is after all (my apologies) a game. Winning the game is not what should be ultimately important over everything else. Sports figures can be heroes, but the best ones are heroes for more than simply winning. A true "pro" realizes winning itself includes a lot of things and this book takes that to heart to be an "all pro dad."

The book underlines the responsibility involved here, doing so with a religious focus, but with lessons helpful to all fathers. Jesus noted that all of God's plan can be whittled down to two commandments. The book's principles also can -- the fundamental principles of love and leadership. The book view this through "God's prospective," which after all boils down to what is good and caring. This also makes sense since a key to God is love, the basis of parenthood. This all has a universal message.

The book provides seven steps to be a good dad. First, you have to know who you are, self-knowledge an important first step to know your strengthens and weaknesses, how you can use them all. Then, determine your purpose, your motive, method, realize you are a [role] model, know what message to send and know who your are living for. The discussion provides various human stories and breaks down each step to ease the journey. The chapters also end with questions to think about. It is in effect a workbook on being a good dad.

It is a pretty good read and hopefully will make people think, helping them to be good dads. Three stars.