Father, The Family Protector

by James B. Stenson

In this companion work to his book A Handbook on Parent Leadership, James B. Stenson explores how Fathers exercise their powerful and particularly masculine contribution to family life. His research comes from more than twenty years of working with families from two highly successful independent secondary schools for boys that he helped establish, The Heights School in Washington D.C., and Northridge Preparatory School in Chicago. As headmaster, he made it his business to know hundreds of families intimately - studying their family lives, watching their children grow into maturity, very often successfully, but sometimes not. Through countless conversations with Fathers and mothers, he tried to account for the differences, looking for patterns of family life among those parents who triumphed with their children. What did these succesful men and women have in common? What did they manage to do right? Most what could other parents learn from the! ir experience? This wisdom of Fatherhood is what this book is all about. It explains the main obstacles in today's society that undercut a Father's teaching role, and tells men what they could do to overcome them. Then within this framework, James Stenson spells out how successful Fathers deal with their children in the more crucial family rules, discipline, schooling, sports, recreation, the media, and ongoing teamwork with one's wife. In short, this book provides the guidance that will help any Father to carry out a serious responsibility - that of protector of his family.

Genres: Parenting, Self Help

252 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2004

Reviews

[Spencer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to finish this book, so my review is incomplete.

I believe the author is right on point regarding methods in which the family unit, especially fathers, should model for their parents. At the same time, the author takes quite a pessimistic view on "kids these days." Maybe I'm biased and live in a bubble, and fortunately haven't found a decrepit society that the author paints a picture of...

The author does a great job of describing a healthy family, a "sporting adventure" family. Then also models through words how to handle electronics, sports, work ethic, friends, associations, etc.

I may come back for reference later, but couldn't finish this one completely. Hard read.

[Fhillipe · Rating 4 out of 5]

No geral, gostei bastante do livro.
Realmente é possível extrair muitos ensinamentos dele.
Confesso que em alguns capítulos achei um pouco prolixo e repetitivo, mas nada que amargasse a experiência.

Definitivamente, esse não é um livro para ler apenas uma vez na vida. Ele é muito denso e trata da educação e formação dos filhos em diversas fases da vida.

Com certeza, durante o passar dos anos, uma releitura de alguns tópicos se fará muito pertinente e necessária.

[Fábio Guarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente manual para pais. Muitas dicas e orientações práticas que fazem sentido e estão lastreadas na experiência de pais que o autor conheceu e acompanhou. O livro contém uma seção sobre como avaliar uma escola que é muito completa e, como as demais partes do livro, muito prática.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

For someone who has not enjoyed the pleasure and pain of being a father, Stenson was very astute and wise. This book and its non-judgemental teachings stay with me. A good addition would be practical advise for fathers who do not enjoy the support of wives that is integral to this endeavor.

[Maryalice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stenson is very wise, and even though I am not a father I learned alot about parenting from this book.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent work, chock full of good advice and sound examples. Well worth the read for anyone who wants a little more insight into the masculine.

[Eduardo Da Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

um ótimo livro. Didático, prático e cheio de bons exemplos...