Product Description

The relationship between a father and a son is like none other. Dads have a God-given role to protect and provide for their families, always striving to teach their sons the life skills they'll need to grow into honorable men. But many dads struggle with feelings of inadequacy regarding their fathering abilities. They want to be better dads. Rick Johnson can show them how. In this insightful and practical book, Johnson shows how fathers can be equipped and inspired to be positive role models for their sons. He stresses the significance of male bonding, discipline, and spiritual leadership; discusses important topics such as sexual purity, respect, and self-discipline; and reveals the top ten mistakes to avoid as a father. From commitment and courage to honesty and humility, Better Dads, Stronger Sons helps men strive to be the dads God designed them to be--so their sons can grow to be everything they are meant to be.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #56527 in Books
• Published on: 2006-05-01
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

From the Back Cover
Your son is counting on you. The relationship between a father and a son is like no other. Dads have a God-given role to protect and provide for their families, always striving to teach their sons the life skills they'll need to grow into honorable men. That may seem like a tall order. But being a good father isn't so much what kind of parent you are as what kind of person you are. Better Dads, Stronger Sons can show you how to " talk with your son about important topics such as dating, sexual purity, respect, and self-discipline " understand why male bonding, discipline, and spiritual leadership are vital to your relationship with your son " recognize and avoid the top ten mistakes a father can make Even if you don't have confidence in your fathering skills, God says you fit the bill perfectly in his plan for your family. This book will help you strive to be the dad God designed you to be--so your son can grow to be everything he is meant to be. Rick Johnson is the founder of Better Dads, a fathering skills program designed to equip men to be more engaged in the lives of their children. He is also the author of That's My Son: How Moms Can Influence Boys to Become Men of Character. "Rick Johnson is writing about the very things that deeply touch our hearts-the vital impact of fathers on their children! Fathers, sons, and families will benefit . . . for generations!"-Ron Nichols, director of training, National Center for Fathering

About the Author
Rick Johnson is the founder of Better Dads, a fathering skills program designed to equip men to be more engaged in the lives of their children. Rick develops and delivers father training workshops for businesses, churches, schools, and other organizations across the Northwest. He previously authored That's My Son: How Moms Can Influence Boys to Become Men of Character. Rick, his wife, Suzanne, and their two children live in Gresham, Oregon.

Customer Reviews

Thought provoking
I can't say that there was anything profound or new in the book. Everything was pretty straightforward and I kept on thinking "of course, it obvious a good dad is supposed to do that." There were times when I found it hard to continue on and finish the book. At the same time, because I was reading the book it had me thinking about what kind of a father I wanted to be, which wouldn't have happened if I didn't read it. Ultimately it was worth the read, just for the fact that it really got me thinking.

Good, solid practical wisdom for dads
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Rick Johnson is the founder of Better Dads, a fathering skills program designed to equip men to be more engaged in the lives of their children and he writes from the experience of a less-than-adequate father turned "super dad" following his conversion to Christ. Johnson shares his own failings, fears and weaknesses as a challenge to other dads to encourage them that they, too, can and should be more diligent about their fathering. The book is full of practical advice mixed with godly wisdom and would make a great gift to any father young or old, especially for that dad who feels overwhelmed or under-equipped for the task of spiritually leading his family.

Johnson addresses pretty much all areas of concern for a man. He deals with the importance of fathers bonding with their children, especially the need for an older man to bond with a younger man - he argues that true manhood is something that is caught by being in the presence of men, not something that a woman can teach and definitely not something that the culture is promoting or endorsing. Johnson also deals with the issues of sex and the important role that the father plays in this issue as well as discipline. Johnson is seeking to help fathers produce men of honor...not simply successful by the world's standards, but successful by God's standard - men who live by a code of honor that is greater than themselves and are willing to pay the price necessary to achieve "greatness." Johnson was one of those worldly successes who found that when he reached the top of the ladder, it was leaning against the wrong building - but he has changed directions and now is not only a successful husband and father, but a mentor and equipper of others!

A helpful book for fathers
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 Magster2@cox.net.