Raising Dad: What Fathers & Sons Learn from Each Other

by Thom S. Rainer, Art Rainer

Parents often learn as much from their children as their offspring learn from them. These poignant family lessons about faith, friendship, commitment, and honesty show that Art's memories of his father's success aren't as rose-colored from Thom's perspective. Readers will be inspired by this work to never stop growing as a mom or dad. (Practical Life)

Genres: Parenting, Christian, Family

212 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2007

About the author

Thom S. Rainer is the founder and CEO of Church Answers and Executive Director of Revitalize Network. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama where he received his degree in business administration. He received both the master of divinity and the Ph.D. degrees from Southern Seminary.

Dr. Rainer has served as pastor of four churches. He is the former president of Rainer
Group consulting. He served for twelve years as dean at Southern Seminary and for thirteen years as the president and CEO of LifeWay Çhristian Resources.

Dr. Rainer has authored or co-authored 33 books. Among his greatest joys are his family: his wife Nellie Jo; three sons, Sam, Art, and Jess; and eleven grandchildren.

Reviews

[Ross Heinricy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I entered this read not knowing what to expect but definitely intrigued by the title and the basic concept. I wasn't as disappointed with the idea as I was with the content. Because I try to finish every book I read I was blessed that I did, because the last three chapters were worth the effort. Basically I encourage you to read the last three chapters...the rest is in my opinion fluff.

[Aaron W. Matthews · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the Rainer’s a lot. With that said, this book was cringeworthy to read in its split chapter format. Art, the son, would begin each chapter and Thom, the father, would finish each chapter. But it was all Art flattering and praising his dad. Then, Thom would say how wrong Art was and how many mistakes he had made in his parenting techniques while his sons were growing up. Over and over. There are good lessons in this book, but it was painful for me to get through. 2 stars is generous, and that is only because of Thom’s wisdom in relaying actual parenting lessons in the book.

[scott d. smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Throughout this book as I read my heartstrings were pulled one after another. My oldest son graduated from high school while I read this, my wife and I found out we were expecting our third child while I read this, and my father was placed on hospice well I wrote this. Many tears were shed, but I enjoyed every chapter.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate the transparency of failures and strengths of this father speaking about his experience of raising his sons and his sons raising him. This is a beautiful testament of the life of the Christian parent and family.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very relaxing read with a creative approach. I enjoyed it!

[betanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes a unique approach in splitting the writing of each chapter with two perspectives. First, the son shares what he remembers his dad doing right in fathering him and his brothers while growing up. Then, the father weighs in giving his honest perspective of his son's stories. Dad doesn't always think he did as well as the son does.

This is not a how-to book. Rather this is almost a hybrid biography-autobiography. Still, there is a lot to learn from this father and son in their experiences. What I read is very much how I want my relationship with my six month old son to turn out. The principles Thom Rainer tried to father by look to show children masculine love that is real and present, not distant and guessed at. Rainer's goal was to prepare his sons for adulthood in a world that doesn't love them like dad does. Most of all, Rainer wanted his love as a father to give his sons a little taste of Gods love for them.

There are no formulas, no instructions given in this book on how to father in any specific situation. Instead, it goes deeper showing a picture of how living by principle, even imperfectly, a father's son has grown to love and respect his father.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An honest, transparent, easy-to-read look at the childhood/parenthood by a father-son team (Thom and Art Rainer). An easy read, the book is vrey relaxing. It is not a how-to manual. Instead, it is a son's assessment of what his father got right and the father's self-evaluation regarding the same topics. The most obvious conclusion the reader has is that this father and son really love each other. The book should encourage to all parents who love their children and inspire those who don't.

[Jason Hoke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thom and Art do a great job explaining to the reader that Dad's are often hard on themselves when it comes to parenting. It also shows that Dad's need to be very intentional about being in the lives of their children. Tis is a big part of my parenting classes at church. I think dads and sons should try to do this together the first year out of high school, but all dad's need this book while the son is still in dipers.

[Peter D'Souza · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging account by a son, Art Rainer, and his dad, Thom Rainer, who take turns describing fatherhood from their perspective as son and father. Art is an adulating son who is most grateful for the way his dad exemplified the role of a godly father, while Thom isn't hesitant to correct his son's mis-perceptions. Their honesty, and love for each other are inspiring. 'Raising Dad' isn't meant to be a comprehensive manual on fatherhood, but it offers valuable lessons to every dad.

[Joshua Skogerboe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a love story. A Father to son and back again love story. My eldest son gave it to me just before I ended up hospitalized for a week with heart trouble. I had lots of time on my hands to sit and read. As a father of FIVE BOYS, this was good medicine. Dads, read it. It will help realign your priorities.

[Cole Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would HIGHLY recommend this book to any son. The author does an excellent job of highlighting the good (and bad) things that he learned from his dad. If you are a father, it is a great way to learn through the eyes of an adult child.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay book. Not a whole lot of depth here but I think it is valuable to hear parenting stories from other sources.

[Sarah Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great reminder of the blessing our children truly are!